Italy W vs Argentina W prediction: WORLD: World Cup Women betting tips on match 2023-07-23 06:00.
Italy have never progressed past the quarter-finals of the Womenâs World Cup (WWC), making that an obvious target after finally going fully professional following last yearâs European Championships. They carry decent form into the group stages as Milena Bertoliniâs side are unbeaten in four matches (W3, D1), with all three of those victories coming via a one-goal margin.
The Italian Football Federation kept faith with Bertolini after last yearâs group stage exit at the Euros and she has plenty of credit in the bank as she guided Le Azzurre into the WWC quarter-finals in 2019, simultaneously ending a 20-year wait to even qualify for the tournament! Calling up teenagers Giulia Dragoni and Chiara Beccari while leaving out veteran Sara Gama suggests the two-time European Championship runners-up are now hoping a new generation can end their long trophy drought.
Argentina are in a similar position as their womenâs team are yet to come close to matching the exploits of their male counterparts as theyâre still seeking a first visit to the WWC knockout stages. Hopes are high that they can make an impact this time as GermĂĄn Portanovaâs side have put together a good run of form (W5, L1) with that one defeat coming on penalties after a 1-1 drawn friendly with Venezuela.
La Albiceleste claimed all five of those victories âto nilâ, which should encourage them as they seek a maiden WWC victory (D2, L7) to add to their first-ever clean sheet achieved in 2019 when drawing 0-0 with Japan. However, the Argentines have struggled against European opposition as their five previous WWC clashes against UEFA representatives saw them concede an eye-watering 27 goals (D1, L4)!
Players to watch: Only two players scored more Serie A Femminile goals than Valentina Giacinti last season (13), while sheâs also netted before the 30th minute in two of Italyâs last three matches. Argentinian rival Mariana Larroquette has broken the deadlock in three of their last five games.
Hot streak: None of Argentinaâs last 19 fixtures saw both teams on the scoresheet before half-time (HT: W8, D7, L4).