Sweden vs Italy Prediction: Both Teams won’t take the risk.

Sweden and Italy were both round 1 winners in Group G. Sweden defeated South Africa 2-1, while Italy managed to hold onto a 1-0 win over Portugal, to put them both as group leaders after the opening round. South Africa and Argentina played out a 2-2 draw to give them both a point each. This means a win here for either side would guarantee their spot in the Knockout stages of the tournament.

The Swedes are currently top of the table, despite having the same point as the opponents Italy. They started off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the first game and now they have an opportunity to book their place in the Knockout stages if they grab another win in this game.

The Swedes were over the place in the game against South Africa as they dominated the majority of the proceedings. They had 69% of the possession, while registering 6 shots on target and playing 13 corner kicks in that game. The game was tight in the first half as neither side could find the back of the net. And in the 48th minute, South Africa took the lead through Hildah Magaia, before Sweden grabbed their first goal in the 65th minute. And then Amanda Ilestedt scored the winning goal in the 90th minute to secure all 3 points for the Swedes.

Team streak: without a clean sheet (3), more than 2.5 goals (5/7), less than 4.5 cards (10/10), more than 10.5 corners (4/5).

Starting XI (3-4-2-1)

Zecira Musovic, Nathalie Bjorn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Johanna Rytting Kane, Filippa Angeldahl, Elin Rubensson, Jonna Andersson, Kosovare Asllani, Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius.

The Italians proved they were up to the task with a solid win over Argentina. It was a tough game but they held onto a single goal until the final whistle. They are currently in 2nd place on the table despite, just a goal short of leaders Sweden. A win here would secure the Knockout stage for the Italians and they would be very much fighting for all 3 points in this game.

The game against Argentina failed to open up in the first half as both teams struggled to score a goal, but Christiana Girelli finally scored the only goal for Italy in the 87th minute leaving the Argentines with little hope for a comeback. The Italians were also very dominant in the game according to match statistics. They had 53% possession, 4 shots on target and 5 corner kicks in that game.

Team streak: no losses (5), no goals conceded (3), less than 4.5 cards (8/10)

Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Francesca Durante, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Elena Linari, Cecilia Salvai, Lisa Boattin, Manuela Giugliano, Arianna Caruso, Barbara Bonansea, Giulia Dragoni, Chiara Beccari, Valentina Giacinti.

This will be the 6th meeting between Sweden and Italy. In their previous 5 meetings against each other, Sweden won 3 matches, while Argentina won 2 matches.

• Sweden are without a clean sheet in 4 meetings.
• There were less than 4.5 cards in 5/5 meetings.

Sweden and Italy are two teams that know each other really well and are experienced in this stage of football. It comes as no surprise that they are both league leaders despite having Argentina and South Africa in the mix. But this match will be a test of both sides' resolve and fighting spirit. I expect both sides to come into this game with a desire to win to ease the pressure of the final game and they are evenly matched. Both sides have the quality to grab a win but I predict that they will not throw caution to the wind. So, I expect a cagey affair for both teams.

• Bet on Both Teams to Score at 1.96 Odds
• Bet on Draw Full Time at 3.545 Odds
• Bet on Correct Score 1-1 at 6.50 Odds