A 2-1 defeat to Denmark on Friday 5th June had ended Sweden's hopes of qualifying directly for the World Cup, as they sat third in the group, a point behind the Italy, who were hoping for a victory and a huge favour from Serbia against Denmark to snatch top spot from the Danes.
But as Denmark raced into a comfortable lead in Stara Pazova, the match in Gothenburg quickly became a battle for second place in the group, one that the Italians took command of in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
First, Lucia Di Guglielmo and Sofia Cantore combined well down the right wing, before the latter played a low ball in behind the Swedish defence for Elisabetta Oliviero to fire in off the crossbar in the 36th minute.
On the stroke of half-time, the visitors went two goals clear as Oliviero turned provider, digging out a cross from the left wing, which was met cleanly by Martina Piemonte, heading the ball down and out of the reach of Jennifer Falk.
Sweden head coach Tony Gustavsson made several changes to his side, including bringing on Hanna Lundkvist and Fridolina Rolfo, and it was the Manchester United duo who got the hosts back into the game with two goals in three minutes.
An Amanda Nilden corner 20 minutes from time was headed back across her own area by Cecilia Salvai to Lundkvist, who powered a header goalwards. Goalkeeper Laura Giuliani turned the ball against the crossbar, but couldn't prevent it bouncing down and deflecting in off her body for an own goal.
Playing with a new-found confidence, Sweden then won themselves another corner, and Nilden's centre was met by the head of Bella Andersson - her effort was parried by Giuliani, falling kindly to the alert Rolfo, who fired the ball high into the net from close range.
Stina Blackstenius and Rolfo were among those to go close to finding a winner late on, but Sweden couldn't complete the turnaround, meaning they finish third in the group on eight points from six matches.
Sweden will head to the play-offs, scheduled to be held in October 2026. They will have to navigate two rounds if they are to make it to Brazil next year, starting off against a League C side who finished first or second in their group. The Swedes will need an upturn in form, having won two of their last 11 games.
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