It just wasn’t enough, not the game, not the courage, and not even the character shown in front of the 12,000 fans at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium. Italy failed to break through the opposition’s defensive wall and are held to a 0-0 draw by Denmark, who breathe a sigh of relief as they remain alone at the top of the World Cup qualifying group.

 

Soffia’s first-half effort, which hit the crossbar, and Italy’s dominance in the second half leave the squad with regrets, who now see their chances of direct qualification slipping further away, especially after Sweden’s win. Everything will be decided in the final two matches on 5 and 9 June against Serbia and Sweden (in Pisa and Gothenburg). Two wins would keep Italy’s hopes of a miracle direct qualification alive; otherwise, qualification for Brazil will depend on navigating the tricky two-legged playoffs at the end of the year. Coach Soncin commented, “This result doesn’t do justice to the excellent performance from the girls. There was only one team on the pitch. We dominated for long spells, created a lot, and controlled the tempo. I’m pleased with the football we played, but we’re still disappointed that we couldn’t find the breakthrough.”

THE MATCH
Soncin made two changes from the side that faced Serbia on Tuesday. Di Guglielmo returned on the right flank, while Dragoni came into midfield in place of Greggi, dropping slightly deeper to allow Cantore to start alongside captain Girelli. There was also plenty of Italian representation in the Danish lineup, with four Serie A players starting: Roma’s Thogersen, Fiorentina’s Faerge, and two key figures from Napoli’s strong season, goalkeeper Thisgaard and forward Floe, supporting star player Harder.

 

Spurred on by the home crowd, Denmark tried to take control early on, while Italy stayed compact and organised, waiting for the right moment to counter. The first big chance came from Soncin’s side in the 27th minute: Cantore was played through by Dragoni and found herself one-on-one with the keeper, but couldn’t get proper contact on the ball, allowing Sorensen to turn it behind for a corner. From the resulting set piece came another major opportunity, this time for Soffia, who struck first time from distance but crashed her attempt hit the crossbar.

Those two opportunities helped Italy find their momentum as they began the second half by pinning Denmark deep in their own half. In the 69th minute, Giugliano and Caruso combined again from a set piece, but Caruso’s finish from a great position sailed over by a couple of metres, much to the frustration of the Italian bench. With around 15 minutes to go, Soncin turned to Beccari for Dragoni, and later Greggi came on for Cantore, who seem tired. The late pressure, full of crosses and even a Girelli free-kick blocked by the wall, wasn’t enough to find a winner. Denmark held on for a point that felt fortunate given the balance of play, but one that could prove valuable in their World Cup qualification campaign.

 

DENMARK 0-0 ITALY

DENMARK (3-5-2):
Thisgaard; Ballisager, Sorensen, Sandbech; Thogersen, Thomsen (Bredgaard 63’), Gejl (Vangsgaard 78’), Kuhl (Hasbo 46’), Holmgaard; Floe (Kramer 46’), Harder.
Subs: Christensen, Ostergaard, Thrige, Faerge, Sanvig, Holdt, Walter, Svava.
Coach: Michelsen

ITALY (3-5-2):
Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Soffia; Di Guglielmo, Caruso, Giugliano, Dragoni (Beccari 78’), Oliviero; Cantore (Greggi 83’), Girelli (Cambiaghi 89’).
Subs: Baldi, Gilardi, Bergamaschi, Linari, Galli, Schatzer, Bonfantini, Glionna, Piemonte.
Coach: Soncin

Referee: Emanuela Rusta (ALB)
Assistants: Edjena Kapxhiu (ALB), Mirjeta Salla (ALB)
Fourth official: Kejsi Tafili (ALB)

NOTES: 12,013 spectators. Salvai (ITA) booked. Added time: 2’ first half, 3’ second half.

 

GROUP 1 (LEAGUE A) – FIXTURES & RESULTS

Matchday 1: Denmark 3–1 Serbia, ITALY 0–1 Sweden
Matchday 2: Serbia 0–0 Sweden, ITALY 1–1 Denmark
Matchday 3: Serbia 0–6 ITALY, Sweden 1–2 Denmark
Matchday 4: Denmark 0–0 ITALY, Sweden 1–0 Serbia

 

STANDINGS

Denmark 8 pts, Sweden 7 pts, Italy 5 pts, Serbia 1 pt

 

UPCOMING MATCHES

Matchday 5 (5 June): Denmark vs Sweden, ITALY vs Serbia
Matchday 6 (9 June): Serbia vs Denmark, Sweden vs ITALY