Sweden vs Italy Preview

Sweden were knocked off the Netherlands by goals difference to reach this stage.

But they also had a solid home record as they won 4 of their 5 qualifying games at home, drawing the other to the Netherlands.

These wins include a 6-0 bashing of Slovakia as well as an 8-0 win over Luxembourg and 2-1 win over eventual group winners France.

The Swedes are desperate for a world cup appearance after missing the last one also and we think they will play to get at least a draw in this game.

Italy makes a tough journey to Sweden as they look to get to Russia 2018 through the playoffs.

The Italians missed out on qualifying to Spain after falling 5 points behind the 2010 World Cup winners.

Interestingly they lost only one of their away games in the qualifying series and that was to Spain impressively while Italy won the 5 other games.

They will need to take that form with them to Ibrahimovic’s home land and hope they can take an advantage home for the second leg.

Italy have won four and drawn one of the last five meetings between these sides.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Sweden

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
L	Netherlands		2-0		Sweden	Oct 10, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
W	Sweden		8-0		Luxembourg	Oct 7, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
W	Belarus		0-4		Sweden	Sep 3, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
L	Bulgaria		3-2		Sweden	Aug 31, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
D	Norway		1-1		Sweden	Jun 13, 2017	International Friendly

Italy

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Albania		0-1		Italy	Oct 9, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
D	Italy		1-1		Macedonia	Oct 6, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
W	Italy		1-0		Israel	Sep 5, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
L	Spain		3-0		Italy	Sep 2, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –
W	Italy		5-0		Liechtenstein	Jun 11, 2017	World Cup Qualifying –

H2H

DATE	COMPETITION
Italy		1-0		Sweden	Jun 17, 2016	European Championship
Italy		1-0		Sweden	Nov 18, 2009	International Friendly
Italy		1-1		Sweden	Jun 18, 2004	European Championship