South Africa vs Italy Prediction: Expect a Fierce Clash

South Africa’s World Cup participation looks almost over unless there is a turn of events with them winning here and Sweden defeating Argentina. Even Though it seems like quite a stretch, we are expecting the South Africans to put up a fight as they take on Italy in the final group game. South Africa only managed 1 point from the opening 2 games of the tournament and that leaves them in 3rd place with 1 point. They lost against Sweden 2-1 in the opening game and then played out a 2-2 draw against Argentina in the second game.

Italy are second in the group with 3 points and a win here is very important for them. They got off to a bright start with a 1-0 win over Argentina in the first round, but then they were defeated 5-0 by Sweden in the second game and they now find themselves hanging in the balance.

South Africa fancies qualification to the Knockout stages but that is only possible if they win here and Sweden go on to beat Argentina. South Africa were unlucky in the opening game to lose by 2-1 to Sweden, but they fought back hard to pull off a 2-2 draw against Argentina in the second round.

Against Argentina, the South Africans were first to strike with a goal coming from Linda Motlhalo in the 30th minute. And then in the 66th minute Thembi Kgtlana doubled their lead, but they failed to hang on as the Argentines grabbed two goals themselves in the 74th and 79th minute from Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez to peg the South Africans to a draw. Statistics showed that South Africa were not at their best in the game, as they only managed 39% possession, 4 shots on target and 3 corner kicks.

Team streak: Both teams scoring (5/6), less than 4.5 cards (10/10)

Starting XI (4-4-2)

Kaylin Swart, Karabo Dhlamini, Bongeka Gamede, Bambanani Mbane, Lebogang Ramalepe, Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe.

The resolve of the Italians will be tested in this game surely. They are currently in need of a good result to secure their place in the Knockout stages of the competition. Italy recorded their first win in the opening round by beating Argentina 1-0 and then they faced group leaders Sweden in the second round and they suffered a 5-0 defeat in that game. That leaves them with just 3 points from the first 2 games of the tournament.

The Italians were completely dominated by the Sweden team in the last round. Amanda Ilestedt, Fridolina and Stina Blackstenius all scored 3 goals in the first half of the match. And in the second half, Italy fell further behind by 2 extra goals from Amanda Ilestesdt and Rebecka Blomqvist in the 50th and 95th minutes to bring the game to 5-0 at full time. According to the statistics, the Italians managed 53% possession, 2 shots on target and 3 corner kicks.

Team streak: less than 4.5 cards (8/10), less than 10.5 corners (5/5).

Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Francesca Durante, Lisa Boattin, Cecilia Salvai, Elena Linari, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Arianna Caruso, Manuela Giugliano, Barbara Bonansea, Giulia Dragoni, Sofia Cantore, Chiara Beccari.

The South Africans showed some promising signs in the previous round. It was unfortunate that they failed to get the win over Argentina in that game. Italy are not such a formidable side too. They were lucky to grab the 1-0 win over Argentina in the opening game, but their flaws were exploited by Sweden in their last game.

This clash will be fierce as I think both sides are hoping to win even though it seems like it makes more sense for Italy to pull out a win. But I don't see the South Africans giving the Italians an easy game. So I back both teams to find the back of the net at least once here.

• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.94 Odds
• Both Teams to Score at 1.77 Odds
• Draw FT at 3.80 Odds