A plucky Italy were unable to pull off the impossible as they fell in a difficult 5-0 defeat to one of the tournament favourites Sweden at the Women’s World Cup.
The Azzurre did well in their opening match in New Zealand, edging out a tense 1-0 win over a growing Argentina, and a positive result against Group G leaders Sweden would’ve almost certainly been enough to see them book their spot in the knock-out stages.
The Blågult – who sit third in FIFA’s world rankings – did not look up to their usual standards in their opening match at the Women’s World Cup, coming back from a 1-0 deficit to secure a testing 2-1 win over South Africa, showing signs of weakness despite their pre-tournament hype.
Milena Bertolini deployed a mix of youth and experience, starting 16-year-old talent Giulia Dragoni alongside veteran forward Barbara Bonansea, hoping the inter-generational Italy would be able to pull off the upset at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
The Azzurre started the match with a spring in their step and looked to settle quicker than their opponents, but they were unable to build off this and it took less than half an hour for Sweden to move into the driving seat.
The pressure continued to mount and eventually Bertolini’s side succumbed, allowing the Blågult to bag three goals in the final seven minutes of the first half, with Amanda Ilestedt, Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius all finding the back of the net to propel Sweden into the lead.
Ilestedt netted her second early in the second half, leaving Italy with an unsurmountable task with 40 minutes left to play, sitting 4-0 down.
Sweden, showing their maturity and looking ahead to their final group outing with Argentina, began to slow down and manage the match, allowing Italy to control possession and try to find a way through.
Bertolini’s side couldn’t find the right code and their efforts continued to prove fruitless, leaving the players exasperated as the clock ticked on. In the dying minutes of the match, substitute Rebecka Blomqvist closed out Sweden’s win with a strike of her own, leaving the Azzurre 5-0 losers in Wellington.
Italy still sit second in Group G with three points, two ahead of the bottom two teams in the group. They will face South Africa on August 2 at 8:00 UK time and will be keeping a close eye on Sweden’s clash with Argentina, which kicks off at the same time.
Sweden too physical, fast and aggressive for Italy. Italy center backs, especially Salvai exposed for lack of pace and touch and was constantly found out. Italy coach Bertolini talked later about her sides mental fragility…it had zero to do with this but had everything to do with how the coach picked the team with zero game plan. Her demeanor skulking in the dugout was akin to the recent defunct Italy U21 Men coach. Bertolini with hands in pocket on sideline and head down didn’t inspire mental team confidence am afraid…