Sweden’s Last Game in Group A1: A Hard-Fought Draw Against Italy
In a gripping encounter at Gamla Ullevi, Sweden staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Italy in their final match of the Group A1 qualifying round for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately for Sweden, the result meant they finished third in the group and could not achieve automatic qualification for the tournament.
Sweden’s campaign faced a significant setback just days prior, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Denmark on June 5, 2026, a result that saw them drop to third place in the group standings, falling one point behind Italy. Sweden’s hope hinged on Italy’s ability to win and a desirable outcome in the Denmark-Serbia match, which did not favor the Swedes.
As the match progressed in Gothenburg, the stakes were high for both teams, particularly for Italy, who surged ahead in the latter part of the first half. Star players Lucia Di Guglielmo and Sofia Cantore displayed excellent teamwork, leading to Italy’s first goal. Cantore passed the ball behind Sweden’s defense, allowing Elisabetta Oliviero to strike it into the net from above the crossbar in the 36th minute.
With confidence soaring, Italy doubled their lead just before half-time. Oliviero turned from scorer to provider, sending a well-placed cross from the left flank that midfielder Martina Piemonte skillfully directed into Sweden’s net, leaving goalkeeper Jennifer Falk with no chance.
In a bid to turn the tide, Sweden’s head coach Tony Gustavsson made crucial adjustments, introducing players such as Hanna Lundkvist and the ever-determined Fridolina Rolfo. These substitutions bore fruit when the duo combined brilliantly to level the score within a dramatic span of just three minutes.
With 20 minutes remaining, Amanda Nilden’s corner kick led to chaos in the Italian box, where Cecilia Salvai inadvertently redirected the ball into Lundkvist’s path. Her soaring header ricocheted off the crossbar but fortuitously deflected into the goal, credited as an own goal against Laura Giuliani.
Newly invigorated, Sweden won another corner immediately after, and Nilden’s subsequent delivery was met by Bella Andersson, whose subsequent save was parried by Giuliani. Rolfo remained alert and capitalized on the opportunity, driving the ball into the net from close range.
As the match progressed, both Stina Blackstenius and Rolfo came perilously close to scoring at least once more and snatching a late victory. However, with time running out, Sweden ultimately settled for the draw, leaving them third in the group with eight points amassed over six matches.
As Sweden now prepares for the playoffs set for October 2026, they face a crucial challenge ahead, needing to navigate two rounds against possible League C contenders to secure a place in Brazil for the World Cup next year. With only two victories in their last 11 outings, a significant improvement in performance will be vital for their aspirations.
Stay tuned to Flashscore for continuous updates on the Women’s World Cup qualifiers and beyond.
