Italy will be hoping to make it out of the group stage for the second straight World Cup, while Argentina are aiming to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time.

Match preview

Italy Women coach Milena Bertolini on April 11, 2023 © Reuters

Le Azzurre are making their fourth appearance at the World Cup after previously featuring at the tournament in 1991, 1999 and 2019.

Italy would have been proud of their performance in France four years ago, as they made their way to the quarter-finals before being beaten by eventual runners-up Netherlands.

After experiencing a disappointing group-stage exit at last year's European Championships, Italy will be hoping to fare better in a competitive World Cup group that contains Argentina, South Africa and Sweden.

Milena Bertolini's side head into the tournament in reasonable form, having won three and drawn one of their last four internationals.

They will also be encouraged by the fact that they have avoided defeat in all of their previous three World Cup openers (W2, D1).

Argentina Women's Yamila Rodriguez and teammates celebrate after their team's second goal on July 14, 2023 © Reuters

Like their opponents, Argentina are also making their fourth appearance at the World Cup, having previously done so in 2003, 2007 and 2019.

The South Americans are still searching for their first win at the tournament after drawing two and losing seven of their nine World Cup matches.

Argentina, who are ranked 28th in the world, know that they will have their work cut out to secure a place in the knockout rounds, with Sweden and Italy sitting inside above them in the FIFA World Rankings.

La Albiceleste have built momentum in the lead-up to the tournament, recording five victories in their last six matches.

With all five of those victories producing clean sheets, Argentina will be hoping to record a shutout at the World Cup for just the second time in their history.

Italy Women form (all competitions):

Argentina Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Italy Women's Manuela Giugliano celebrates scoring their first goal with Sofia Cantore on February 16, 2023 © Reuters

Sara Gama was a surprise omission from Bertolini's Italy squad, while the injured Martina Rosucci has been ruled out of the tournament.

Martina Lenzini could line up in central defence alongside Elena Linari, while Elisa Bartoli and Lisa Boattin are expected to operate as the two full-backs.

Valentina Giacinti is set to lead the line, and the Roma striker could be joined in the front three by Sofia Cantore and Annamaria Serturini.

As for Argentina, Vanina Correa is set to start in goal, and she is expected to be shielded by the central-defensive pairing of Miriam Mayorga and Aldana Cometti.

Mariana Larroquette recently completed a move to the National Women's Soccer League club Orlando Pride, and she will be looking to showcase her goalscoring prowess on Sunday.

The 30-year-old is expected to feature in a front three alongside Florencia Bonsegundo and Estefania Banini, who both play their club football in Spain.

Italy Women possible starting lineup:
Durante; Bartoli, Lenzini, Linari, Boattin; Caruso, Giugliano, Greggi; Cantore, Serturini, Giacinti

Argentina Women possible starting lineup:
Correa; Braun, Mayorga, Cometti, Stabile; Rodriguez, Benitez, Ippolito; Bonsegundo, Banini Larroquette

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We say: Italy Women 1-1 Argentina Women

Italy and Argentina will be determined to get off to a winning start, but with the two nations enjoying promising spells of form, we think that they will have to settle for a share of the spoils.

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Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.

Written by
Ben Sully