Italy’s repechage to World Cup, Azzurre for now not doing much better

Italy ends with a draw that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth the away match in Gothenburg against Sweden, the last commitment of Group 1 of League A in the European qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The Azzurri offered a convincing performance and great character, building a well-deserved double lead in the first half, but in the second half they were caught up by the hosts until the final 2-2.

The team led by Andrea Soncin unlocked the result at 36′ with Elisabetta Oliviero and doubled at the end of the first half thanks to Martina Piemonte, putting the match on the right track. In the second half, however, Sweden reacted: at 70′ an own goal by Laura Giuliani reopened the match, while three minutes later Fridolina Rolfö signed the equalizing goal.

The point won was not enough for Italy to improve its position in the group. Accomplice to Denmark’s clear 4-1 success in the other challenge, the Danes in fact finish in the lead with 14 points, while the Azzurri finish in second place with 9. To gain access to the final stage of the 2027 World Cup, Italy will then have to go through the playoff route.