South Africa Women and Italy Women will both be vying for a place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup 2023 when they go head-to-head at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday.

The Banyana Banyana are sitting in third position in Group G with two points separating them from second-placed Italy.

Match preview

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After beginning the tournament with a narrow defeat to a Sweden side ranked third in the world, South Africa turned their attention to Friday's meeting with Argentina.

The African champions looked to be heading towards three points when goals from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana gave them a two-goal advantage.

South Africa were unable to hold on, though, as Argentina netted two goals in five minutes to ensure that the spoils were shared.

Although the Banyana Banyana picked up their first-ever point at the World Cup, the result leaves them waiting for their maiden victory at the tournament.

They will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they can claim all three points and Argentina fail to beat Sweden, but a win for the South Americans would bring a number of permutations into play.

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After Cristiana Girelli's late winner guided Italy to a 1-0 win over Argentina on Matchday One, the Azzurre would have entered Friday's encounter with Sweden in a positive mood.

However, their confidence was swiftly dashed by a rampant Sweden side, who cruised to a 5-0 victory to end Italy's five-game unbeaten run.

The disappointing result would have reminded Italian supporters of last year's 5-1 defeat to France in the Euro 2022 group stage.

They were unable to make it out of the group on that occasion, but their fate still remains in their own hands, with Milena Bertolini's side sitting in second place with a two-point buffer to South Africa and Argentina.

Italy will advance to the last 16 if they claim all three points, while a draw will be enough if Argentina fail to beat Sweden.

Team News

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South Africa are expected to be without their captain Refiloe Jane, who was stretchered off in the first half against Argentina.

Kholosa Biyana replaced Jane in the 2-2 draw, but she will miss Wednesday's game through suspension after receiving her second booking of the tournament.

After finding the net on Matchday Two, Racing Louisville striker Kgatlana will continue to lead the line for her country.

As for Italy, Bertolini could be tempted to make at least a couple of changes to the side following the heavy 5-0 defeat to Sweden.

After featuring as a substitute in the first two games, Giada Greggi is in contention to start in the middle of the park.

Greggi's Roma teammate Valentina Giacinti dropped down to the bench on Friday, but she is expected to return to the starting lineup for the final group game.

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

We say: South Africa Women 1-2 Italy Women

Italy will have to pick themselves up from the disappointment of Friday's heavy defeat to Sweden, while South Africa will still be frustrated with giving up a two-goal lead against Argentina.

South Africa know that only a win will do, but we think that they will be edged out by the Italians, who are looking to reach the knockout rounds at consecutive World Cups.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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