Italy and Sweden set for Blois showdown

Famous meeting
In 2003 Italy and Sweden served up an unforgettable match when they met in a winner-takes-all final group game. Goalless four minutes before the break, Agnese Ricco finally broke the deadlock and the game exploded into life. An hour later and Giulia Domenichetti was making it 3-3, ensuring the sides ended the group locked together on points, goal difference and goals scored. It meant the unusual scenario of group-stage penalties, with Sweden prevailing 4-1. A repeat will always be unlikely, but with Italy in fine fettle and Sweden hitting their stride after a shaky start, it is shaping up in the Loire Valley.

Swedish flow
"We're in full flow and have been since March and the [La Manga] tournament in Spain," said Sweden coach Calle Barrling, whose side survived 24 minutes with nine players against England on Sunday to secure the draw they needed to reach the last four. "We haven't played well for 90 minutes yet but when we are good we are really good and it's during those times we win the matches. We've got match winners." His side proved that with a 94th-minute goal to make it 2-1 against Scotland in their opening game though one of their principle driving forces, Louise Fors, will be suspended for the Italy match. "It's a big loss, especially a left footer so exceptional," said Barrling. "We have 18 players in the squad, though, so maybe we need to play in a different way.

Italy rested
"We saw Italy in March – they perform very well, fight hard, and have two good strikers," the Sweden coach continued. Two rested strikers too, as Corrado Corradini was afforded the privilege of making wholesale changes to his starting XI for their final Group A game, progress already secured following back-to-back wins against Norway and France. His under-strength team were duly swept aside 3-0 by eliminated Spain, though Corradini played down any significance. "The result is not important," he said. "The important match is on Wednesday. What matters is that we are ready and that everyone is rested so I hope to see all the players fresh." Most of Barrling's side will have another game under their belts, yet the Swedish coach is unperturbed. Asked if they can go all the way, he said: "Definitely, absolutely. If we can draw [1-1] with Germany …." Beat Italy and a rematch with the holders could be in the offing but there might be some drama first.