Italy’s second World Cup match is rapidly closing in, with Milena Bertolini’s side in with a chance of progressing to the round of 16 following the 2-2 draw between Argentina and South Africa today. Indeed, a win against Sweden tomorrow (9:30 CEST) at the Regional Stadium in Wellington would secure the Azzurre’s place in the knockouts with a game to spare. A draw, meanwhile, would mean that Italy would only have to avoid defeat in their final match against the South Africans on 2 August in order to progress.

It's an opportunity that the Azzurre are looking to seize as they aim to build on their good form and the solidity of the group. However, the team can’t afford to make calculations, as Bertolini pointed out: “There’s real enthusiasm after the win on Monday, but there also needs to be a sense of reality. Sweden are the favourites to top the group; they’re a complete team who are strong physically and technically. We’ll face them with respect but also with plenty of desire to do well. While it’s true that today’s draw was a favourable result for us, we need to focus on ourselves, our matches and our game as we look to pick up three points and score as many goals as possible. We’re confident.”

The Scandinavian outfit are a big force in world football and, under Kurt Peter Gerhardsson, finished third at the 2019 World Cup and second in the Olympics the following year. However, these achievements won’t faze Milena Bertolini’s girls, who have won two of the three meetings between the sides under the current Head Coach and only lost the most recent one (the final of the 2022 Algarve Cup) on penalties. “They keep the tempo very high and have players who can shift the balance,” continued Bertolini. “We need to stay in the game. We did well on Monday, but we’re continuing to work on various tactical aspects so that we’re ready for tomorrow’s fixture. We’ll be up against a complete side and need to improve in terms of how we manage the ball.”

Across the last two editions of the tournament, Sweden have scored five goals after the 80-minute mark, a clear demonstration of their strength and mental resilience. A perfect Italy performance will be needed, with the leaders of the side ready to play a key role both on and off the pitch: “We have some experienced and very important players, like Girelli, Bartoli and Cernoia. They know that they have an important role to play, irrespective of how much playing time they get. They’re extremely positive figures within the group and are guiding the younger ones. There’s real positivity, and I’m happy with the spirit that has been created.”

Sitting next to the Head Coach in today’s press conference was Barbara Bonansea, who took to the pitch wearing the captain’s armband against Argentina. When Girelli - the top Italian World Cup goalscorer (four goals, the same as Carolina Morace) and the only one to have scored in more than one edition of the tournament - isn’t playing, the No.8 always looks to step up. Against the Albiceleste, she made her 95th Italy appearance, and she’s aware that the Azzurre now stand at an important crossroads: “Winning would allow us to qualify for the knockouts, so we’re very fired up,” said the Juventus striker. “Picking up three points following a late goal leaves something in your heart, and we’ll now try to push on with all this positive energy. Sweden always go far in big tournaments, but we’ll go for it and, as always, give everything.”

Bonansea, who, together with Giugliano and Linari, now sits level with Federica D'Astolfo in terms of number of World Cup starts, can’t wait to compete against the team currently occupying third place in the FIFA ranking: “It’ll be a great test,” she concluded. “We’ll be up against a very good team, and it’ll allow us to see where we’re at. We know a lot of their players, like Linda Sembrant, who is a great defender; it’ll be difficult to overcome her. We need to remain united in difficult moments and build on our second-half performance against Argentina.”