South Africa vs Italy – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs Italy on and what time does it start? South Africa vs Italy will take place on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023 – 08:00 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs Italy taking place? South Africa vs Italy will take place at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for South Africa vs Italy? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for South Africa vs Italy
What channel is South Africa vs Italy on in the UK? South Africa vs Italy will be televised live via the BBC Red Button
Where can I stream South Africa vs Italy in the UK? South Africa vs Italy can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa will have been bitterly disappointed to have let such a healthy lead slip against Argentina last time out, especially after entering the final 20 minutes of the match with that two-goal advantage, but ultimately drawing 2-2.
- When taking into account that Argentina are up against runaway Group G leaders Sweden in their final game, the African champions will be confidence that three points here against Italy would be enough for them to make it through to the knockout stage.
ITALY
- A heavy defeat at the hands of Sweden was a huge blow for Italy’s goal difference, but knockout qualification remains in their hands which they would have happily taken going into the final round of group games if offered at the start of the tournament.
- Once again, Cristiana Girelli started on the bench for Le Azzurre against Sweden, but with their tournament hopes hinging on the outcome of this encounter, her chances of starting over either Caruso or Dragoni must be high.
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Swart; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini; Holweni, Jane, Motlhalo, Magaia; Kgatlana, Seoposenwe
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Durante; Di Guglielmo, Linari, Salvai, Boattin; Giugliano, Dragoni; Bonansea, Girelli, Beccari; Giacinti
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- South Africa have lost their previous three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European opposition.
- In their second match of the 2023 finals against Argentina, South Africa picked up their first point in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match having lost their previous four matches in the competition.
- Against Argentina, South Africa scored two goals in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match for the first time.
- South Africa have scored the first goal in three of their five FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Italy’s lowest points total in a FIFA Women’s World Cup group is four (1991 and 1999), their highest total is six (2019).
- Italy’s only previous FIFA Women’s World Cup match against African opposition was a 1-0 victory against Nigeria in the group stage in 1991.
- Italy have never lost successive matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage.
THE PREDICTION
Having finally broken their duck and secured their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup point, South Africa will be aiming to go one better and will deploy a highly-offensive style of play against Italy with three points needed to leapfrog their opponents in Group G. However, you’d expect Italy to counter that with a solid defensive set-up, keeping numerous bodies behind the ball out of possession and making it as hard as possible to break them down. Having said that, Le Azzurre will be well aware of the deficiencies among South Africa’s backline, who have conceded twice in both their group games so far and it’s hard not to see them getting on the scoresheet at least once. With that in mind, consider utilising the double chance market to back either an Italian win or draw.
TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – DRAW/ITALY
