FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 : South Africa vs Italy Match preview, team news, possible lineups

South Africa vs Italy will be a thrilling encounter as both the teams are not out of the Round of 16 stage. South Africa are in third place whereas Italy are in second place. So here's the preview of this match where we provide you with necessary information related to this fixture.

Read also : Jamaica vs Brazil: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Match Preview, Team News and Predicted Line-ups

South Africa vs Italy

Match Details

Date : 2/08/2023 (Wednesday, August 02)
Venue : Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
Time : GMT - 7:00 pm
IST - 12:30 pm
Live streaming : Fancode and DD sports

Match Preview

South Africa lost their opening fixture of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 against third ranked Sweden, in a very close contested match. Then they faced Argentina on their second Matchday.

The African champions looked to be heading towards three points when goals from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana gave them a two-goal advantage but they were unable to hold on to it and the points were shared.

"I think this game has to be motivating us because it's our last one in the group. After this, we don't know if we go forward or not. Everyone has to be mentally 100 per cent. We want to go for this game and, whatever the result, the whole team needs to be together."
Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa forward.

Meanwhile, Italy won their opener against Argentina, thanks to Cristiana Girelli's late winner which guided them to a 1-0 victory. On their second Matchday Italy faced Sweden and were thrashed by 5-0 goal and ended Italy's five-game unbeaten run.

They will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they can claim all three points against the Italians and Argentina need to beat Sweden, but a win for the South Americans would bring a number of permutations into play. On the other hand, Italy will advance to the Round of 16 stage if they claim all three points, while a draw will be enough if Argentina fail to beat Sweden.

Team News

Despite being carried off on a stretcher in their 2-2 draw with Argentina, South Africa captain Refiloe Jane is likely to play in this must-win encounter. The team doctor told media earlier this week Jane suffered a rolled ankle, with the damage classified as minor. One player who will definitely not feature is suspended midfielder Kholosa Biyana, after she picked up a second yellow card in two games.

For the Azzurre, the only saving grace from their 5-0 defeat against Sweden was the lack of any significant injuries. Coach Milena Bertolini is expected to have a full squad to choose from.

South Africa vs Italy Possible Lineups

South Africa Women possible starting lineup:
Swart; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini; Kgoale, Motlhalo; Cesane, Seoposenwe, Magaia; Kgatlana.

Italy Women possible starting lineup:
Durante; Di Guglielmo, Linari, Salvai, Boattin; Caruso, Giugliano, Greggi; Beccari, Bonansea, Giacinti.