The two sides that picked up dramatic wins in their opening fixtures in Group G will lock horns in Wellington on Saturday. Both Sweden and Italy will be aware that a victory this weekend will likely assure their passage through to the knockout stage at the Women’s World Cup.
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The action in Group G at the Women’s World Cup continues this weekend, as both Sweden and Italy will be looking for a second straight win to secure their passage through to the knockout stage. Sweden showed their character in their opening match, as they came back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 success over South Africa in Wellington.
Their equalising goal was scored by Fridolina Rolfo, before Amanda Ilestedt scored a dramatic winner in the 90th minute. The victory ensured that Sweden maintained their unbeaten record against African opposition at the World Cup, and they have scored at least two gaols in four of the previous five clashes. The victory also ensured that Sweden were able to record a second straight win to start an edition of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Italy also produced a late show to claim maximum points in their opening match, with Cristiana Girelli scoring an excellent header with just three minutes remaining of the 90. The European nation were unfortunate not to be ahead earlier in the match, as they saw two goals ruled out following VAR interventions due to offside.
It was a memorable start to the tournament for the Italians, as they have now won their first game at the World Cup in three of the previous four tournaments. However, they were defensively sound in their opening match, as they were able to keep a clean sheet in their opening match for the first time since 1991.
Sweden vs Italy Head to Head
This will be the first clash between the nations at the World Cup. However, they previously clashed in the Women’s EUROs in 2017, with Italy landing a shock 3-2 win. But, Sweden have won four of the last five meetings between the nations at major tournaments.
Sweden vs Italy Prediction
Italy looked excellent defensively in their opening match, and they appear to be one of the growing powers in the women’s game. Sweden looked professional as they edged to a win over South Africa, but a draw could be a likely result in this second match in Group G.
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