Sweden vs Italy – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Sweden vs Italy on and what time does it start? Sweden vs Italy will take place on Saturday 29th July, 2023 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Sweden vs Italy taking place? Sweden vs Italy will take place at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Sweden vs Italy? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Sweden vs Italy
What channel is Sweden vs Italy on in the UK? Sweden vs Italy will be televised live on BBC Two
Where can I stream Sweden vs Italy in the UK? Sweden vs Italy can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
SWEDEN
- Sweden come into this latest group game riding the crest of a wave after coming from behind against South Africa, beating the African champions by two goals to one following goals from Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo and Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt, the latter heading home late on to complete the turnaround.
- The perseverance of Sweden and ability to fight right to the end will have hugely pleased head coach Peter Gerhardsson as his side now look to make it back-to-back victories across their opening two group stage fixtures for the second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup.
ITALY
- It looked at one stage like Italy’s opening match in Group G vs Argentina was set to end in a stalemate, but there was a happy twist in the tale from Le Azzurre’s point of view, as substitute Cristiana Girelli netted a priceless late winner to grab all three points.
- The Juventus star with over 100 caps for Italy will have no doubt been disappointed to have started on the bench, but after her contribution proved the difference between them and Argentina, she has surely put herself firmly in the frame for a starting spot vs Sweden.
THE TEAM NEWS
SWEDEN
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Musovic; Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson; Kaneryd, Angeldal, Rubensson, Andersson; Asllani, Blomqvist, Rolfo
UNAVAILABLE: Glas (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Durante; Di Guglielmo, Linari, Salvai, Boattin; Giugliano, Caruso; Bonansea, Girelli, Beccari; Giacinti
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Sweden have the edge in the head-to-head record between these two nations with 13 wins to Italy’s four, they have also drawn on four occasions.
- Sweden are aiming to win their opening two matches in a FIFA Women’s World Cup final competition for the third time having previously done so in 2011 and 2019.
- Sweden have won seven and drawn three of their last 11 FIFA Women's World Cup group stage matches (W7, D3, L1).
- Italy have won five of their last seven FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Italy have kept six clean sheets in their previous 13 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Italy started two of their previous three FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns with back-to-back wins, including the last edition in 2019.
- Italy have opened the scoring in each of their last three matches against Sweden.
THE PREDICTION
Italy have never beaten European opposition at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and it doesn’t get any easier for them here against a team of such pedigree when it comes to this tournament. Sweden are likely to come out of the traps flying and the Italian defence will struggle to keep them quiet over the course of this encounter. However, the Swedish backline showed vs South Africa that quick attackers can have success against them by running in-behind especially and Italy should carve out chances for themselves. Expect both teams to score in this one.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
