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South Africa vs Italy odds and betting statistics
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South Africa vs Italy match preview
This is essentially a straight shootout for qualification, so who will seize the opportunity in Wellington?
Italy began this campaign by crucially beating Argentina 1-0 in Auckland, with Cristiana Girelli coming off the bench to head home a late winner.
However, five days later, all of le Azzurre’s flaws were on display, as Milena Bertolini’s team were smashed 5-0 by Sweden, suffering their biggest-ever major tournament defeat.
Early on, Italy looked quite impressive, but the floodgates then opened, conceded thrice in the five minutes immediately prior to half time, eventually shipping five, three of which came from set-pieces.
Despite this heavy, embarrassing shellacking, Italy are still in pole position to reach the knockout stages, just as they did in 2019, so will le Azzurre pick up the point they need?
South Africa meantime have never won a World Cup match but, if they can change that here, they’ll go through at the Italian’s expense.
Then, on Friday, Desiree Ellis’ side were very much on course to claim that illusive maiden World Cup victory, leading 2-0 against Argentina in Dunedin.
Linda Motlhalo broke the deadlock, teed up by Thembi Kgatlana, who looked for all the world to have been offside, but this was not the case, and the goal was given following VAR review.
Then, on the hour mark, Kgatlana doubled the WAFCON champions’ lead, lashing home from close-range after some brilliant work by Jermaine Seoposenwe on the right-wing.
However, Argentina fought back, scoring two quick-fire goals and, by the end, South Africa were fortunate to leave Forsyth Barr Stadium with even a point.
Nevertheless, assuming Sweden beat la Albiceleste simultaneously, which is a safe assumption, a win for South Africa here will take Banyana Banyana through, leapfrogging Italy into second place.
So, will it be an historic night for South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium, or will Italy cling onto second spot, setting up a last 16 meeting with Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday?
South Africa team news
Midfielder Kholosa Biyana has been booked in both of South Africa’s matches so far, meaning she will miss this one suspended, desperately hoping that does not signal the end of her Antipodean adventure.
Karabo Dhlamini came it at left-back against Argentina, displacing Sibulele Holweni, and is set to keep her place.
Glasgow City’s Linda Motlhalo broke the deadlock in Dunedin on Friday, so could she be Banyana Banyana’s hero?
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Swart; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini; Magaia, Jane, Seoposenwe, Motlhalo; Kgadiete, Kgatlana.
Italy teams news
Cristiana Girelli came off the bench in the 83rd minute against Argentina, scoring with her first touch four minutes later, before not seeing any action at all on Saturday.
Surely le Azzure’s super start striker will start this time, right?
Regardless, Milena Bertolini is set to make sweeping changes, although 16 year old Giulia Dragoni is likely to start for a third successive match.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Durante; Lenzini, Linari, Boattin, Salvai; Caruso, Dragoni, Giugliano; Giacinti, Bonansea, Girelli.
Women’s World Cup Group G table
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Women’s World Cup Group G fixtures & results
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