Italian football is experiencing a moment of strong contradiction. On the one hand, the collapse of the men’s national team, out of the World Cup for the third consecutive time after the defeat on penalties against Bosnia in the playoffs. On the other, a women’s national team that, despite difficulties, still keeps a door open towards the future. After the overwhelming 6-0 against Serbia, in fact, Italy’s women’s path towards the World Cup seemed clear. But then he stopped at the most unexpected of obstacles: a 0-0 away draw against Denmark which weighs more than the result suggests.
In front of over 10 thousand spectators at the Parker Stadion in Copenhagen, the Azzurre led by Andrea Soncin were unable to capitalize on the opportunities they created, leaving two precious points on the field. The draw keeps the race alive, but changes the balance: Italy rises to 5 points, but remains three points away from the top, occupied by Denmark with 8 points, while Sweden follows on 7. A short ranking, but with a decisive detail: only the first-placed team goes directly to the World Cup.
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The ranking and what is really needed
The picture is clear but complicated. The Azzurre are third in the group, with a good goal difference (+5), but that’s not enough. To take first place, a precise combination of results will be needed. The most favorable scenario involves Sweden beating Denmark head-to-head. At that point, Italy should win both of their last matches: first against Serbia at home, then in the direct clash against Sweden away. Only in this way could the Azzurre catch up with Denmark and overcome them thanks to goal difference. Any other combination – a draw or a Danish victory in the Scandinavian derby – would drastically complicate the plans, forcing us to hope for favorable results even on the final day.
The decisive calendar
Everything will be played on the next two dates: 5 and 9 June. Italy will first face Serbia within friendly walls, a match that is affordable on paper but not to be underestimated. Then comes the key match against Sweden, which could turn into a real final. At the same time, Denmark will face Sweden first and then Serbia, a team already clearly beaten by Italy but capable of putting even more highly rated opponents in difficulty.
The playoff alternative and the pitfalls
If first place were to fade away, the road to the playoffs would remain, a long path full of pitfalls as seen with the men’s national team. The second and third placed teams in League A will face teams from other leagues in home and away matches, with an even more selective second round.
A path that could put Italy up against national teams such as Switzerland, Belgium or Portugal, opponents that are anything but simple. And it’s not enough to win: only seven out of eight teams will access the World Cup, while one will have to go through further intercontinental play-offs. Despite the difficulties, direct qualification remains mathematically possible. Precision, perfect results and a bit of luck in the joints are needed.
The Italian women’s team comes from a growing path, culminating in the semi-final at the European Championship 2025 after 28 years. Now fate hangs in the balance of ninety minutes – perhaps one hundred and eighty – in which everything can still change. The door to the World Cup is not closed. But to cross it you will need a perfect combination.
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