Last summer, Italy was on the verge of reaching the European Championship final. For Sweden's women's football team, Italy — nicknamed "Le Azzurre" and hailing from the tip of the Italian boot — is the first obstacle in the hunt for a World Cup ticket.
FootballA star striker who has gone home. A defensive crisis. A national captain who has been relegated to the stands. Conditions could be better when Sweden begins the World Cup qualifiers in Reggio Calabria. It gets even more nerve-wracking when you can't be close and have an impact, says national team coach Tony Gustavsson.
FootballLiverpool's Cornelia Kapocs and Tottenham's Josefine Rybrink are temporarily joining the national team's training camp in Portugal ahead of next week's World Cup qualifier away to Italy.
FootballInjury crisis in the back line. Manchester United star Fridolina Rolfö has been selected as a defender as the women's national team begins qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Hammarby's young center back Sofia Reidy is a debutant.
FootballNational team captain Tony Gustavsson has had a tough start with the Swedish women's football team. This is also reflected in the world rankings – where Sweden has now dropped two places.
FootballTony Gustavsson is suspended for one match – and looks set to miss the World Cup qualifier against Italy in March. But the Swedish Football Association intends to appeal the suspension.
FootballToday, Sweden can be awarded the 2029 European Football Championship. Kosovare Asllani is keeping her fingers crossed – even though she herself won't be playing for that long. I've been lucky enough to experience it, and it's magical, says the national team captain.
FootballOne won a sensational Swedish Championship gold medal that resonated around the world. The other became the national team boss. It has been a decent football season for the Almgren–Pettersson family. A fantastic time, says Johanna Almgren, newly appointed assistant national team captain and married to Mjällby's gold medal hero Tom Pettersson.
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