Sweden registered a one sided win over Italy in their second group stage match of the FIFA world cup 2023 at the Wellington Regional Stadium. Sweden brought up their second successive victory of this World Cup campaign to confirm their road to the RO16 hereon.
After having initially beaten South Africa in their first match, the Swedish side continued its wonderful rhythm as they ran riot against Italy in their upcoming game. The side is at the top of its group’s table following this win with 6 points in their bank.
Italy on the other hand are in a spot of bother after this humiliating defeat as they are 2nd in the table with 3 points to their name and a goal difference of -4. The side failed to carry on the momentum they had gained thanks to a win over Argentina in the opening game.
The game began with neither of the sides being able to find their rhythm in the early minutes. Italy surprisingly had the first chance of the match in the 17th minute. Cantore’s powerful drive was spilled by Musovic at the near post as De Guglielmo fired the follow up shot just wide. Sweden opened their account in the 39th minute thanks to a Ilestedt goal. Andersson swing in a dangerous corner kick which was slotted in via a header by Ilestedt to make it 1-0.
The side doubled their lead in the 44th minute as Andersson’s set piece again led to a goal. The spot kick was followed by the ball bobbling around amongst the chaos in the box before Rolfo steered it home from close range. Sweden put in a third goal before half time. Kaneryd’s cross was smashed home by Blackstenius as Italy had their backs pushed to the wall.
Sweden continued their domination in the second half as well. The side had its fourth goal of the game at the 50th minute mark. Ilestedt net Andersson’s inswinging corner once again and directed it towards goal with her head as Durante had no chance to stop it. Sweden had major opportunities hereon to further pile on Italy’s miseries. They however failed to do so as Blackstenius who was clear on goal failed to hit the target under pressure from Durante. Sweden did wrap up the game with a goal eventually in the stoppage time. Substitute Blomqvist was set up by Jakobsson, as the former evaded two challenges before sliding her shot past Durante for a fifth Swedish goal. FT:- Italy 0-5 Sweden.
Sweden shall next be facing Argentina on Wednesday. Italy meanwhile shall take on South Africa in their final group stage match.
