After victory over Argentina on matchday one, Italy now face Sweden in their second game in Group G. The two sides are level on points following their respective wins in their first matches. In what will be the Azzurre’s first meeting with the Blågult, our opponents are the favourites – on paper at least – due to their recent tournament records, having reached the semi-finals of Euro 22 and a third-place finish at the World Cup in France, as well as their record against European opposition. Sweden have lost three and won three of their last six World Cup games against teams from Europe, with a 2-1 win over England in the 2019 third-place play-off being the most recent. Italy, on the other hand, have never beaten a European side at a World Cup, with three losses and one draw in the record books. Sweden’s opener this time out wasn’t exactly plain sailing. It took the full 90 minutes for Peter Gerhardsson’s side to come from behind to beat South Africa as the girls in gold proved that they can not only dominate teams but also dig deep should the need arise. Their aim against Italy will be to wrap up top spot in group G but also record two wins in their first two group stage matches for the third time in their history, after managing the feat at the tournaments in 2011 and 2019.

Crosses, set pieces and identity: Sweden’s core strengths

Though South Africa may have sprung a few surprises on matchday one, holding the game at 0-0 at half time, Sweden’s quality shone through over the course of the 90 minutes. Accurate crossing, well-worked set-piece routines, lethal headers and bags of individual talent. On set pieces specifically, we have a particularly telling stat: Jonna Andersson (4) and Kosovare Asllani (3) were two of just three players to create two or more chances from dead ball situations in the first round of matches at this World Cup (alongside Spain’s Teresa Abelleira, 9). Gerhardsson’s girls have plenty of firepower, but individual talent isn’t their only strength. Sweden are a solid team, who utilise the full length and breadth of the pitch. They can up the tempo drastically with just a few quick passes and play with tenacity until the final whistle. On the latter: Sweden have scored five goals after the 80-minute mark at the Women’s World Cup since the start of the tournament in 2019 to matchday 1 this year, more than any other team in that timeframe.

 

Keep a close eye on Blackstenius and Ilestedt, Asllani too

Though she wasn’t on top form against South Africa, Stina Blackstenius remains Sweden’s number one threat. The striker registered just one shot in their opening game (before being subbed off for Blomqvist in the 67th minute), but don’t let that single performance deceive you. Blackstenius came into the tournament off the back of a stellar campaign with Arsenal, having scored eight games in the FA Women’s Super League (only the Norwegian Maanum, 9, had more for the Gunners in the league last season). The Sweden striker, who is a real threat inside the penalty area, had a top record in the Women’s Champions League in 22/23 as well: five goals, fewer only than Poland’s Ewa Pajor nine). So, the Azzurre will need to be wide awake to the threat that Blackstenius carries, as she can cause issues for any defence. The Blågult had two standout performers in their opening match: Amanda Ilestedt and Kosovare Asllani. The PSG defender didn’t only score the winner, but also had the most shots (5) and the most on target (3) of any Sweden player in that game. AC Milan’s Asllani, meanwhile, is Sweden’s star; she was the key player in their 2019 campaign, which culminated in a third-place finish, and was also named her team’s MVP at last summer’s Euros. She is the chief threat to our defence. Furthermore, like Juventus’ Linda Sembrant and former Bianconera Lina Hurtig, she is well acquainted with Italian football, having just completed her first season in Serie A with the Rossonere. He technical ability is outstanding as well. She excels as a second striker; she has an eye for goal but is mostly a creative player, setting up her teammates to score. In addition, she is a set piece specialist and an excellent penalty taker