Sweden arrived in Parma at the top of Group A4 after two wins and two draws, with their hosts sitting second with two wins and two defeats in their previous four outings, ahead of Denmark on goal difference.
Stina Blakstenius was absent for the Swedes as she recovered from the illness she suffered soon after scoring the winner in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final.
Both sides showed their attacking intent inside the opening 15 minutes, and were willing to test the goalkeepers from range.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the box which had to be palmed away by Laura Giuliani, before Manuela Giugliano stung the gloves of Jennifer Falk from all of 30 yards.
Falk had to be alert midway through the half to tip away an inadvertent Filippa Angeldal touch which was heading into her own net as Italy began to take control. Late in the half, they had the ball in the Swedish net, only for Martina Piemonte's header to be ruled out for offside.
The goalkeepers continued their fine performances in first-half stoppage time - Giuliani was out quickly to smother Rebecka Blomqvist's effort with the striker through on goal, then Falk reacted well to turn Elisabetta Oliviero's dipping strike over the bar.
Peter Gerhardsson's made a strong start to the second half and thought they had taken the lead when Nathalie Bjorn headed home from a corner, but this time it was the visitors' turn to have a goal chalked off, owing to a foul on Giuliani by Blomqvist.
The Italians, though, were still probing, and came closest as the match entered its final quarter, as Oliviero's cross struck Arianna Caruso on the shoulder and bounced off the crossbar.
Minutes later, all eyes were on Stephanie Frappart when Smilla Holmberg went down in the box under the challenge of Emma Severini, but the referee waved away the strong Swedish penalty claims.
The match opened up in its final minutes, but neither side was able to carve out a key chance to win the match.
The stalemate keeps Sweden two points clear of Italy, but the Blagult's lead at the top could be cut later this evening if Denmark beat Wales.
Whatever the outcome, Sweden will need to aim for victory when they face Denmark in Solna on Tuesday to secure first place and reach the 2025 UWNL Finals.