Women's Euro 2013: Hosts Sweden thrash Finland

Hosts Sweden recorded their first win at the Women's European Championship in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 victory against Finland.

Defender Nilla Fischer headed in the opener early in the first half before tapping in a second.

Kosovare Asllani headed home a third before the break and the win was made certain when Lotta Schelin struck from Asllani's pass.

There was time for one more, though, with Schelin glancing in a header.

The win takes Sweden top of Group A with four points, ahead of Italy - who had beaten Denmark 2-1 earlier on Saturday - on goal difference.

It was Sweden's biggest win at a Women's European Championship and equalled the tournament's record.

The margin of victory could have been higher, with Sweden dominant throughout.

Finland goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela denied Asllani an early shooting effort, but it was not long before the first goal arrived as Fischer struck with 15 minutes on the clock, the defender heading in at the near post from Marie Hammarstrom's delivery.

Sweden continued to press and Fischer struck again 21 minutes later, scoring from close range after Korpela had parried Asllani's smart volley.

Asllani was on target soon after to put the game beyond Denmark, heading in Sofia Jakobsson's ball, before turning provider on the hour with a pass that split open the defence, leaving Schelin to smash in a fourth.

Finland's misery was compounded further with three minutes remaining as Schelin directed a header into the net from Sara Thunebro's free-kick.

While there were fewer goals in the game between Italy and Denmark, there was no less excitement in what was a close-fought encounter.

After a goalless first half, Melania Gabbiadini put Italy ahead when her drive was deflected into her own net by Line Roddick.

The Azzurre's lead was doubled just five minutes later when Ilaria Mauro headed home after Denmark goalkeeper Stina Petersen could only parry Patrizia Panico's header.

Mia Brogaard set up a tense finale when she swept the ball into the net after combining with Mariann Gajhede Knudsen, but Italy survived to secure victory.