Denmark secure top spot for World Cup qualification after scoreless tie with Italy

Denmark's women's national team put up a strong showing yet fell short in offensive prowess during their 0-0 stalemate with Italy in Saturday's World Cup qualifying match.

The match unfolded at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, drawing 12,013 fans for the team's third ever game in the national venue.

Captain and star player Pernille Harder had recovered fully from a head injury suffered in Tuesday's unexpected 2-1 victory over Sweden, but she and her colleagues could not muster enough to challenge Italy's defence.

Following the goalless draw, Denmark remains in excellent shape in their qualifying group, where the leader will directly qualify for the finals in Brazil next summer, and the other three teams will head to autumn playoffs.

Denmark leads the group with eight points and requires just four more from their upcoming fixtures against Sweden in Odense and an away match versus Serbia in early June to clinch first place.

The Danish side dominated most challenges and controlled the first half, yet they lacked finishing touch and smart choices near Italy's goal, failing to capitalise on their superiority.

Aware that a draw would not suffice for a strong challenge for the group lead, Italy pushed harder, making the second period more dynamic and end-to-end.

Italy earned several corners after the interval and squandered a promising free-kick, but keeper Freja Thisgaard faced little real danger, allowing the hosts to grab another crucial point towards qualification for Brazil.