Sweden secure their place in the last 16 with a ruthless display as they put five past a youthful Italy.
Previous results in Group G
Both Sweden and Italy scored last-minute headers to secure victory in their opening matches and avoid upset against South Africa and Argentina. Therefore, heading into this clash both teams were tied at the top of group G, knowing that a win for either side would guarantee a place in the Round of 16.
Match report
Sweden named an unchanged team from their opening 2-1 win against South Africa, whilst Italy made the one change with Sofia Cantore coming in for Valentina Giacinti. Despite heading home the winner against Argentina, Italy forward Cristiani Girelli started on the bench once again.
Italy got off to a positive start, pinching the ball of Sweden in the opening minute before breaking down the right flank with Cantore firing a shot that was held by Swedish Goalkeeper Musovic on her second attempt. Italy continued to start the game on the front foot, with Cantore being Italy's bright spark on the right, once again testing Musovic in the Swedish goal.
Sweden grew in confidence, enjoying longer periods of possession and finding success in the wide areas through Rolfo and Kaneryd. Sweden threatened to open the scoring in the 27th minute, with a flurry of shots superbly blocked by last ditch defending in the Italian box to keep the score goalless.
Sweden capitalised on their improved performance and opened the scoring from a delightful corner swung in on the Italian goalmouth with defender Amanda Ilestedt jumping highest to glance a header over the helpless Italian goalkeeper.
Sweden had a massive opportunity to double their lead when Di Guglielmo made a poor back pass which put Blackstenius 1-on-1 with Durante, but it was the Italian keeper who came out on top sliding the ball away from Blackstenius' feet as she attempted to dribble round the keeper.
Sweden did eventually double their lead just minutes later with Fridolina Rolfo tapping the ball in at the back post from another dangerous corner from Andersson that Italy were unable to deal with. Sweden made it 3-0 in injury time with Asllani slipping a smart ball to Rytting Kaneryd who squared the ball to Stina Blackstenius to score her first goal of the tournament.
The half-time whistle blew with Sweden running riot scoring 3 goals in a frantic 7-minute period. Despite Italy's bright start, Sweden looked to be the side to secure their spot in the last 16.
In the second half it took just 4 minutes for Sweden to add to their lead. Andersson crossing another pinpoint inswinging corner for Illestedt to head in at the near post for her second goal of the game and her third goal in the last two games.
With the result of the game settled, both teams made changes. Sweden brought on experienced midfielder Caroline Seger to make her 237th international appearance, whilst Italy replaced two of their forwards.
In the final minute of the game, substitute Blomqvist received the ball at the halfway line before accelerating past the last Italian defender to race through on goal and cooly slot the ball past Durante to make it 5-0 to Sweden.
As things stand: Group G
Sweden have secured their spot in the knockout rounds with this emphatic win meanwhile Italy will be looking to bounce back in their final group game against South Africa where they remain favourites to join Sweden in the round of 16.
Argentina vs Sweden (2nd August, 8am)
South Africa vs Italy (2nd August, 8am)
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