The Swedes won all four games to finish first in Group B on 12 points, with the top three sides advancing to the last eight.
Germany end with eight points, two ahead of Italy, with both sides already assured of their place in the last eight before the puck drop. Japan ended with three points and France one, as both countries were eliminated.
After a scoreless opening period, the Italians took the lead 21 seconds after the interval. With many fans still returning to their seats, Justine Reyes scored following a face-off, tipping Anna Caumo’s initial shot into the net.
Germany had a chance on a power play, but the Italians killed the penalty and Nadia Mattivi raced from the penalty box, collected the puck and passed to Matilde Fantin, whose shot rattled off the post.
The Germans tied it in the second period, Emily Nix forcing the puck home from inside the crease. With less than two minutes remaining, Laura Kluge netted the winner to silence the large Italian support.
