On Monday morning, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup focus turns to Group G, as Italy and Argentina kick off their campaigns at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Both nations are making their fourth Women’s World Cup appearance, with the Italians reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 edition.
Shooting boots 🔛#FIFAWWC #ITA #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/d3lPFdasAW— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) July 20, 2023
Shooting boots 🔛#FIFAWWC #ITA #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/d3lPFdasAW
With Sweden and South Africa completing in Group G, Italy and Argentina will both be eager to begin the tournament with a positive result.
Italy enter the World Cup on a four-game unbeaten streak, having picked up three wins and one draw since their last loss.
After beating South Korea 2-1 at the Arnold Clark Cup back in February, the Italians recorded friendly victories over Colombia (2-1) and New Zealand (1-0), as well as a goalless draw with Morocco.
It is no secret that Italy endured a disappointing 2022 European Championship, taking just one point from a possible nine during the group stage to suffer an early exit.
Since then, however, the Italians have secured five wins and one draw across all competitions, keeping four clean sheets for good measure.
Argentina, on the other hand, have played six friendlies in the lead-up to the World Cup, notching five wins along the way.
Following victories over Chile (4-0) and New Zealand (2-0, 1-0), the Argentines defeated Venezuela (3-0) and Peru (3-0).
Not only have Argentina won five of their last six games, but they have also kept five clean sheets, scoring 15 goals in the process.
That said, the South Americans suffered a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Spain back in November 2022, highlighting the gulf in quality between them and the top European teams.
Head-to-head: Monday’s clash will be the first meeting between Italy and Argentina, meaning there are no previous results to study for this fixture.
Team news: Italy can call upon Juventus midfielder Valentina Cernoia, who has scored 13 goals in 61 games for her country. The Italians have also called up six uncapped players.
Argentina, meanwhile, have Atletico Madrid’s Estefania Banini in their ranks, in addition to forward Mariana Larroquette, who players for NWSL outfit Orlande Pride.
This is destined to be an all-action clash between two exciting teams, although Italy’s quality should shine through in Auckland.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Italy will begin with a win on Monday, scoring over 2.5 goals while keeping a clean sheet.