Sweden Women will look to claim back-to-back victories at the Women's World Cup 2023 when they face Italy Women on Saturday.

The Azzurre also have the chance to start the tournament with consecutive wins after beating Argentina in their tournament opener.

Match preview

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Sweden were made to work hard for three points in their opening game against the African champions South Africa.

After playing out a goalless first half, Sweden fell behind in the 48th minute when Hildah Magaia bundled the ball home, but they managed to restore parity just after the hour mark through Barcelona's Fridolina Rolfo.

With the contest heading towards a draw, Amanda Ilestedt proved to be her country's hero, heading home the winning goal in the 90th minute to claim a dramatic victory.

After getting off to a winning start, Sweden are well set to continue their impressive group-stage record, having reached the knockout rounds at seven of the previous eight World Cup finals.

They will now be looking to claim consecutive victories for the first time since winning three straight games at last year's European Championship.

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Italy were knocked out of Euro 2022 without picking up a single victory, but they have already made sure that will not be the case in Australia and New Zealand.

The Azzurre secured maximum points in their opening match against South Africa thanks to experienced striker Cristiana Girelli, who produced a sublime headed effort in the 87th minute to guide her country to a narrow 1-0 win.

Impressively, Milena Bertolini's side are now unbeaten in five matches (W4, L1) and have kept clean sheets in their last three games.

They now have the chance to record four successive shutouts for the first time since the autumn of 2021 when they achieved the feat in World Cup qualifying.

Italy, who are hoping to reach the last 16 for the second straight World Cup, know that they will face a difficult test on Saturday against a Sweden side that are ranked third in the world.

Team News

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Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson could be tempted to stick with the lineup that started the tournament opener against South Africa.

Despite scoring the winner on Matchday One, Ilestedt's main focus will be on her defensive duties when she lines up in a back four alongside Nathalie Bjorn, Magdalena Eriksson and Jonna Anderson.

Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius will be looking to open her account for the tournament when she leads the line on Saturday.

As for Italy, Girelli could be rewarded with a starting place after coming off the bench to score the winner against Argentina.

Roma midfielder Giada Greggi is also in contention for a starting berth following her substitute appearance in Monday's contest.

After playing 82 minutes in Italy's tournament opener, 16-year-old Giulia Dragoni is set to retain her place in the side.

Sweden Women possible starting lineup:
Musovic; Bjorn, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldal, Rubensson; Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo; Blackstenius

Italy Women possible starting lineup:
Durante; Di Guglielmo, Linari, Salvai, Boattin; Guigliano, Greggi; Beccari, Dragoni, Bonansea; Giacinti

We say: Sweden Women 2-1 Italy Women

Although the Italians are enjoying a five-game unbeaten run, Sweden Women currently sit 13 places higher than their opponents in the FIFA World Rankings, and we think that they will utilise their extra quality to claim a narrow victory on Saturday.

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