Draw in Sweden Leaves Italy Needing Playoffs
Italys womens national team will have to navigate the treacherous waters of playoff qualification after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in Solna. The result leaves the Azzurre in second place in their World Cup qualifying group, meaning they must go through the playoff route to secure a place at the 2027 Womens World Cup.
The match was a tale of two halves. Italy dominated the opening period, with coach Andrea Soncin getting his tactical decisions right from the first whistle. The Azzurre looked composed, creative, and dangerous — playing with a confidence that suggested they could secure a historic victory on Swedish soil, something no Italian womens team had ever achieved.
First Half Promise, Second Half Reality
Italys first-half performance was arguably their best of the qualifying campaign. They moved the ball quickly, pressed effectively, and created clear chances. The breakthrough came through a well-worked move that left the Swedish defense exposed, putting Italy ahead and raising hopes of a famous result.
But the second half told a different story. Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson made tactical adjustments at the break, introducing changes that shifted the momentum decisively. The home side grew into the game, and their equalizer came as Italy retreated deeper. Once level, Sweden pressed for a winner, and Italy had to hold on for the draw.
Soncin acknowledged after the match that his side had been unable to maintain their first-half intensity. We played some excellent football in the first 45 minutes, but Sweden showed why they are one of the top sides in Europe, he said. We have to learn to manage games better when we are in control.
Deja Vu for Italian Football
The playoff scenario has an uncomfortable familiarity for Italian football fans. The phrase spareggi — playoffs — carries painful connotations, evoking memories of Italys failure to qualify for the 2018 mens World Cup and the narrow escape in 2022. Now the womens team faces its own do-or-die playoff campaign.
The format means Italy will face two-round playoffs against other European nations that finished second in their groups. The draw will be critical — a favorable matchup could see the Azzurre through, while a tough opponent could spell disaster. With only a handful of European spots available through the playoff route, every match will carry immense pressure.
What Italy Must Improve
Soncin will know that his side cannot rely on one strong half per game. The Azzurre need to develop the ability to control matches over 90 minutes, particularly against top-tier opposition. The midfield struggled to retain possession in the second half against Sweden, and the defense looked vulnerable when stretched.
The playoff campaign also raises questions about squad depth. Italy has a talented starting XI but the drop-off to the bench is significant. Injuries or suspensions in the playoff window could be costly. Soncin will be hoping his key players stay fit and that the squad gains valuable experience in the months leading up to the playoff fixtures.
For now, Italys World Cup fate is no longer in their own hands. They must wait for the playoff draw, prepare meticulously, and hope that when the decisive matches arrive, they can produce the kind of performance they delivered in that promising first half in Solna — and sustain it for the full 90 minutes.
