It’s vital that the Azzurre pick themselves up, it’s imperative that they win, it’s no use to make any calculations. The tears of Italy’s players in the wake of that defeat to Sweden should give them added motivation for the game against South Africa, a win in which would see them go through to the round of 16. Milena Bertolini’s side still have it all in their own hands in spite of the 5-0 loss and are hoping to secure second place in Group G. They will, however, need to produce a display replete with character as they look to recover from Saturday’s performance. The Azzurre have never faced South Africa in the World Cup, though Italy have one win in one match against African opposition in the tournament: 1-0 over Nigeria way back in 1991. South Africa currently sit third in Group G following their 2-2 draw with Argentina, the Banyana Banyana’s first-ever point in a World Cup after four defeats in four matches across their first two tournament appearances. The Azzurre are third in Group G on three points thanks to their 1-0 win over the Albiceleste in the first round of matches. Bonansea and Co are, on paper at least, in the driving seat, and the Azzurre have never before lost two consecutive World Cup matches. Our rivals on the day, however, will be galvanised by their battling display in the last match and will be highly motivated to record a historic result.

South Africa concede a lot space but can create chances

The South Africa defence is no stranger to a mistake. They concede a lot of space to their opponents (11 shots on target faced, at least three more than any other team in the group) and often allow their teams to hit them in the open field. Testimony to their fact comes in the shape of their goals conceded: more than one per game in four of their last five World Cup matches, including each of their most recent three. However, Desiree Ellis’ side weathered a storm from Sweden and even took the lead in that match, scoring through Magaia in the 48th minute and only falling behind late on thanks to Ilestedt. South Africa, in particular, struggle to keep hold of the ball: the Banyana Banyana currently have an average possession of 35%, level with Morocco, Vietnam and the Philippines. But Italy will need to be aware of the duels as both sides have won more than they have lost (Italy 55% and South Africa 51%), with Ellis’ side having lost the fewest in the group (110 to Sweden’s 111, Italy’s 113 and Argentina’s 140). South Africa are strong in the tackle as well, having a 64% success rate, less only than Sweden on 78%. In attack meanwhile, even though they aren’t the most technical side, chances have been flowing. They are, level with Sweden, one of two teams with more than one to have created at least four chances: Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana (four apiece).

 

Keep an eye on Magaia and Kgatlana, Jane the potential difference maker

Among the six players in Group G to have hit the target more than once, two play for South Africa: Hildah Megaia and Thembi Kgatlana (two apiece, level Sofia Cantore, the Azzurre’s only player with more than one shot on target). Furthermore, the pair are, alongside Linda Motlhalo, two of the three South Africa players to have scored in their first two games. Kgatlana is certainly the biggest threat to the Azzurre defence; she is the only South Africa player to have scored at two Women’s World Cups and has had a hand in three of the Banyana Banyana’s four goals across their two tournament appearances (two goals, one assist), including two against Argentina. Kgatlana, who was nominated for Africa’s player of the year in 2018, in the focal point of Ellis’ side and the key figure in South Africa’s attack.

Sejong Sportstoto’s Hildah Magaia is the perfect partner for the Racing Louisville forward. They combined to give South Africa a momentary lead against Sweden on matchday one. Magaia is an adept second striker and has great link-up play. The final threat to assess is Sassuolo’s Refiloe Jane, who has made the second-most recoveries (19, to Swart’s 23) of any South African player at this World Cup and is joint-second with Holweni for interceptions (four, behind Ramalepe on eight). Jane will be well known to the Azzurre, having played in the Italian top flight since 2019 and the former AC Milan player has it in her to turn a game on its head, using her wealth of experience gained during her time in Serie A.