A place in the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 is at stake as Banyana Banyana and Italy clash at the Westpac Stadium on Wednesday. Which of these teams will emerge victorious at the end of this match?
🚨Next Match Details🚨
⚽️South Africa🇿🇦🆚 Italy 🇮🇹
🗓️Wednesday, 02 August 2023
🏟️Wellington Regional Stadium
⏰19:00pm (09:00am RSA)
📺 Live on @Official_SABC1 and @SABC_Sport channelGet behind team Banyana Banyana in our final Group match💚💛🇿🇦#BeyondGreatness #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/8n3LKOw2rD
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 30, 2023
Prediction 1: Banyana Banyana or draw
La Azzurre are the favourites to win this match. They have four wins in their last six matches across all competitions, with a draw and a loss. On the other hand, Banyana Banyana managed to win just one of their last seven games, with two draws and four losses.
However, it's also important to note that the Italians aren't really high on morale ahead of this tie; as they suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss at the hands of Sweden a few days ago. In contrast, despite being the underdogs in all of their matches at this competition, Banyana Banyana held their own against Sweden and Argentina. That said, we are fairly confident that South Africa will not lose this match.
Prediction 2: Both teams to score
Our second South Africa vs Italy prediction is on the BTTS market. It's worth mentioning that these teams have conceded their fair share of goals in recent months. On one hand, La Azzurre saw their defense breached five times in their last match alone; they allowed 13 goals in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Likewise, Banyana Banyana conceded four goals in two group matches so far; they kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games. Given how both teams have not been able to keep the goals out, we should expect goals at both ends.
Prediction 3: Over 2.5 total goals
We've already established that Banyana Banyana allowed four goals in their last two matches. Unsurprisingly, Desiree Ellis's side have been involved in a few high-scoring matches lately. We would like to point out that four of South Africa's last six games went above the 2.5 goal mark; and for this reason, we should expect the goals to flow in this game.
In Wednesday's #FIFAWWC action, #RSA face #ITA in a decisive final Group G game.
Italy enter 2 points ahead but off the back of a devastating 5-0 loss to #SWE. @JManship19 lays out how Banyana Banyana can hurt a downbeat Azzurre. 👇https://t.co/8GBJzh5Lu5
— Total Football Analysis (@TotalAnalysis) August 1, 2023
Banyana Banyana vs Italy head to head
It's fair to point out that these teams have previously never met. While group leaders Sweden have already secured a place in the knockout stages of this tournament, Banyana Banyana and Italy will contend with each other for second place. It may interest you to know that all teams in the group still have a shot; as last-placed Argentina could potentially leapfrog both teams if this match ends in a stalemate.
Last Five - South Africa Women
06/08/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Netherlands Women
South Africa Women
2
0
L
02/08/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Italy Women
South Africa Women
2
3
W
28/07/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Argentina Women
South Africa Women
2
2
D
23/07/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Sweden Women
South Africa Women
2
1
L
10/04/23
Womenu2019s International Womenu2019s
Serbia Women
South Africa Women
3
2
L
Last Five - Italy Women
02/08/23
Women's World Cup Women's
South Africa Women
Italy Women
3
2
L
29/07/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Sweden Women
Italy Women
5
0
L
24/07/23
Women's World Cup Women's
Argentina Women
Italy Women
0
1
W
01/07/23
Womenu2019s International Womenu2019s
Morocco Women
Italy Women
0
0
D
11/04/23
Womenu2019s International Womenu2019s
Colombia Women
Italy Women
1
2
W
Frequently asked questions about Banyana Banyana vs Italy
When will the Banyana Banyana vs Italy match start?
This match is scheduled for Wednesday 2nd August, not before 08:00 BST.
Who is the favourite to win the Banyana Banyana vs Italy game?
Le Azzurre are favoured over Banyana Banyana.
What was the result the last time Banyana Banyana and Italy met?
Banyana Banyana and Italy will square off against each other for the first time today.
Where will the Banyana Banyana vs Italy game take place?
These teams will go toe-to-toe with each other at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I watch the Banyana Banyana vs Italy match if I live in SA?
Banyana Banyana fans in South Africa can catch all the action live on SABC Sports, SABC 1 and Supersport Football. Likewise, this match will be available on RaiPlay and FIFA+ for fans who live in Italy.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
