In a Group G matchup, Sweden (1-0-0 / W-D-L) and Italy (1-0-0) meet Saturday in the 2023 Women’s World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sweden vs. Italy odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Sweden survived a scare from South Africa 2-1 in the opening match of Group G play in a damp night in Wellington last Sunday. The heavily-favored Swedes fell behind 10 at the 48′ mark, but Fridolina Rolfo answered at 65′, and Amanda Ilestedt scored at the 90′ point to help Sweden escape an embarrassing result.
Italy eased by Argentina 1-0 in a defensive battle, with Cristiana Girelli coming up with the heroics at 87′ to give Azzurri 3 points instead of just the 1 for a draw. Italy posted 4 shots on goal, to just 2 for Argentina, while it led the possession battle by a slim 53%-47% margin.
Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Sweden vs. Italy odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:36 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Sweden -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Italy +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Draw +210
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +135 | U: -190)
Sweden vs. Italy picks and predictions
Prediction
Italy 1, Sweden 1
Moneyline (ML)
I’m all-in on the DRAW (+210) for an opportunity to multiply the initial wager by 2.1 times.
Sweden was lucky to escape the opening match against a South African side it should have curb-stomped, while Italy scored late to avoid a draw against Argentina. In this matchup between table-toppers and group favorites, we should see both clubs play it rather close to the vest with very few chances taken.
Over/Under (O/U)
First off, I like NO (+138): GOAL TO BE SCORED 1ST HALF. I think we’ll get a rather boring first 45, as neither team wants to take a lot of chances, potentially giving the opposition a chance the other way.
As a result, I like 2ND HALF: HALF WITH MOST GOALS (+120) at plus-money, as we get a small, late flurry goals for the eventual draw.
And in case you were wondering, playing 1:1 (+550) CORRECT SCORE will help you multiply your initial wager by 5.5 times. It’s worth a roll of the dice. A 0:0 (+600) CORRECT SCORE is also worth a look. Sure, if the match ends 0-0 or 1-1, you would lose one end, but you’d still be well ahead.
If you’re a little more conservative and willing to play the juice, UNDER 2.5 GOALS (-190) is a slam-dunk play as far as I am concerned.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3922]