A display of great maturity against a powerhouse of world football. In Parma, the Women's National Team drew 0-0 with Sweden, a result that, in light of Denmark's 1-0 victory over Wales, means that the Azzurre cannot achieve their dream of reaching the Nations League Finals. While first place in the group has slipped away, Andrea Soncin's team remains fully in contention for second place. Everything will be decided on the final matchday scheduled for Tuesday: a victory in Swansea (regardless of the Sweden vs. Denmark result) would see Italy stay in League A (just like in the first edition of the competition), avoiding the relegation play-offs. This would be fitting recognition for a group that, even tonight, demonstrated its strength, coming close to scoring on several occasions.

Soncin said this after the game: “There were good signs, the first half was great, we were controlling the play and we had some great chances. In the second half, we were a bit slower in our play, but the glass is absolutely half full. Playing this way against such strong opponents should give us confidence and pride. And there's even a hint of regret about how it ended, which means we're starting to go into these kinds of challenges with the belief that we can win”.

THE MATCH: Soncin picked eight of the starting eleven that took to the field just under two months ago on that magical night in Denmark. In defence, Salvai played between Di Guglielmo and captain Linari instead of Piga, while on the wings, Oliviero and Bonansea stepped in for Serturini and Boattin. The attack remained unchanged, featuring the Cantore-Piemonte duo, and crucially, the midfield line was also unchanged, with Giugliano, Caruso, and Severini starting together for the third consecutive game. In Sweden's 4-3-3, the very young 18-year-old midfielder Schröder made her senior national team debut. In attack, Gerhardsson relied on Rytting Kaneryd, Blomqvist, and Rolfö, who scored the goal to make it 3-2 in the first leg.

The stakes were high, and at the start, both teams were sizing each other up, not giving away any space or chances. The first real opportunity came in the 15th minute with Giugliano’s powerful long-range shot, which Falk saved with a diving effort. Ten minutes later, the Scandinavian goalkeeper once again showed her class, this time preventing an own goal by Holmberg, who, in an attempt to block Bonansea, nearly sent the ball into her own net. Italy grew into the game, and with quick, upfield passing, they pushed their opponents onto the back foot, forcing them to sit back and resist. Referee Frappart brandished three yellow cards, one of which went to Di Guglielmo, who was already on a warning and will therefore miss Tuesday's match in Wales. The final minutes of the half saw everything happen: first, Piemonte’s header was disallowed for a narrow offside call. Then, a miraculous save by Giuliani denied Blomqvist. And, on the counter-attack, another flash of brilliance from Falk, who did incredibly well to tip Oliviero's shot around the post for a corner.

At the start of the second half, Sweden showed more initiative, finding the net in the 53rd minute from a corner kick with a header by Björn. However, this goal was also disallowed due to a foul by Blomqvist on Giuliani. This close call seemed to push Soncin's squad on, coming close to taking the lead again in the 70th minute through substitute Girelli. Her volley, from Oliviero’s perfect cross, just skimmed the top of the crossbar. This brief moment of hope for a full three points quickly faded. From that point on, Sweden managed to repel every other Italian effort. They secured a draw that brings them closer to their minimum objective of staying in League A. Italy will aim for the same goal in four days, as they fly to Wales needing three points to leapfrog one of the two Scandinavian teams.

ITALY 0-0 SWEDEN

Italy (3-5-2): Giuliani; Di Guglielmo, Salvai, Linari; Bonansea (58’ Serturini, 77’ Beccari), Giugliano (80’ Cambiaghi), Caruso, Severini, Oliviero; Piemonte (58’ Girelli), Cantore (77’ Bonfantini). Bench: Baldi, Durante, Lenzini, Piga, Soffia, Goldoni, Schatzer. Manager: Soncin

Sweden (4-3-3): Falk; Holmberg, Björn, Eriksson, Nildén (71’ Andersson); Angeldahl, Schröder (62’ Asllani), Zigotti Olme (dal 71’ Bennison); Rytting Kaneryd (92’ Jakobsson), Blomqvist (52’ Wangerheim), Rolfö. Bench: Holmgren, Enblom, Sembrant, Lundkvist, Janogy, Ijeh, Kullberg. Manager: Gerhardsson

Referee: Frappart (FRA). Assistants: Soriano (FRA) and Coppola (FRA). Fourth official: Daupeux (FRA).
Notes: cautions Di Guglielmo (I), Eriksson (S), Björn (S). Added time 2’, 6’. 2200 spectators

CALENDAR, RESULTS AND GROUP 4 STANDINGS  (League A)

Matchday 1: ITALY 1-0 Wales, Denmark 1-2 Sweden
Matchday 2: ITALY 1-3 Denmark, Wales 1-1 Sweden
Matchday 3: Sweden 3-2 ITALY, Wales 1-2 Denmark
Matchday 4: Denmark 0-3 ITALY, Sweden 1-1 Wales

Standings: Sweden and Denmark 9 points, ITALY 7, Wales 2

Matchday 5 (30 May): ITALY 0-0 Sweden, Denmark 1-0 Wales
Matchday 6 (3 June): Wales vs. ITALY (Swansea, 19.30 CEST), Sweden vs. Denmark (Solna, 19.30 CEST)