Sweden all but secured a spot in the round of 16 stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Italy 5-0 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.

Quite surprisingly, it was the Italian who took control of the game’s early exchanges as the Swede were second best in every stats that mattered. However and much against the run of play, Sweden did not just take the lead, there extended their advantage by 2 more goals before the break.

A spell of madness saw the Italian concede three goals withing seven minutes. Amanda Iiestedt broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. The centre back from a corner kick delivery by Jonna Andersson nodded in to make it 1-0. It was her second of the tournament after scoring in same fashion as South Africa.

Five minutes later, Fridolina Rolfo from yet another corner kick delivery by Jonna Andersson put the Swedes two goals up. It was also Fridolina Rolfo ‘s second goal of the tournament as well. She also scored against South Africa in their first game.

as if conceding two quick goals in succession wasn’t enough , the Italians found themselves with a huge task on their hands when they let in another goal in added time of the first 45 minutes. Stina Blackstenius grabbed Sweden’s third .

Five minutes after the restart, it got worse for the Italians as Sweden got a fourth. Amanda Ilestedt was at it again, grabbing her second of the day and her third in the tournament. The new Arsenal fdefender connected well with yet another corner kick delivery by Jonna Andersson to nod home.

From that point , the Swedes were in total control of the game and Italy could only go the damage limitation route. However, substitute Rebecka Blomqvist came through with the icing on the cake with their fifth goal late on