Bella Andersson forms a center-back pair with another untested option: Elma Junttila Nelhage. The 22-year-old Lyon defender made her national team debut as recently as last fall and only has three international caps.
Andersson, who left Hammarby for Real Madrid after last season, was also in the Nations League squad for the double-header against France last fall, but is getting playing time for the first time now. This is despite the 19-year-old having had little club time, having been on the bench in four of the last six matches.
Thin back line
Sweden comes into the World Cup qualifiers with a thinner backup lineup than in a long time. Veterans Magdalena Eriksson and Linda Sembrant have recently retired from the national team, while both Nathalie Björn and Amanda Ilestedt are injured.
On the right of the back line, another 19-year-old, Arsenal's Smilla Holmberg, will start, while on the other side 23-year-old Hanna Lundkvist, who has made 29 senior appearances, will be by far the most experienced defender.
Gustavsson in the stands
One unusual selection as a defender is Fridolina Rolfö. But the Manchester United star - normally one of Sweden's sharpest weapons up front - will begin the match on the bench. Rolfö arrives for the World Cup qualifiers with an injury issue, having missed the last four club matches.
Sweden's coach Tony Gustavsson won't even be on the bench this time. He was sent off against France in December, is suspended and will have to watch the match against Italy from the stands.
This is how Sweden starts (4–3–3): Jennifer Falk - Smilla Holmberg, Bella Andersson, Elma Junttila Nelhage, Hanna Lundkvist - Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Julia Zigiotti Olme - Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Felicia Schröder, Monica Jusu Bah.
Italy–Sweden kicks off at 6:15 p.m.
