Sweden began their 2009 UEFA European Women's Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-0 success against Italy in Trento to make the early pace in Group 2.

Swedes too strong
Despite the recent retirements of Malin Moström and Anna Sjöström, as well as injuries to Therese Lundin, Sara Larsson and Madelaine Edlund, Sweden's physical approach and extra experience proved too much for the Italians. The visitors were made to wait until the 41st minute before getting the breakthrough, however, with Caroline Seger opening the scoring. The 2005 semi-finalists then sealed victory in added time as Nilla Fischer found the net with 93 minutes on the clock.

Double header
The victory for FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers Sweden moved them alongside the Republic of Ireland, who won their opening game in the section against Hungary last month. The Swedes will be hoping to build on their successful start when they visit Romania on 16 June and host Hungary four days later, before travelling to China for the World Cup in September. Pietro Ghedin's Italy, meanwhile, visit Dublin to face the Irish on 30 May and will be aiming to get their bid to qualify for a tenth successive European finals, in Finland in two years time, back on track.