Italy vs Sweden
There are three more matches on what looks a good day of Euro2016 action on Friday with it all kicking off with the Group E clash between Italy and Sweden. This is the first match in the second round of games in the group so both have the chance to steal a bit of a march on the other two.
Italy won their opening match of the tournament and have the chance to qualify for the knockout stages with a win here while Sweden will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing draw against the Irish in their first game.
As they so often are the Italians were written off by the majority of people in their opening match but as they always do they showed their class and liking for tournament play when they did a bit of a job on Belgium. Against supposedly one of the best sides in Europe it was a tactical masterclass by Antonio Conte.
We know all about Italy’s defence and that was on show again on Monday night but it was their movement and their coolness in attack that impressed me. Italian sides aren’t really known for that so that has to be the Conte effect.
Key Man
Giorgio Chiellini will be a big player at both ends of the pitch. He will need to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet in defensive areas but he could be a key man when it comes to attacking especially when Italy get some set pieces. Ireland got some joy attacking set pieces so the big centre back could be crucial in that regard too.
The Swedes will have been disappointed with their performance against the Irish in their opening match. They never really got started and were quite poor in all fairness. Much was made of Zlatan Ibrahimovic but that match was a reminder that he can’t do it all on his own.
Sweden’s attacking play was very suspect. Nobody really ever gave Zlatan much support and as such Sweden rarely looked like scoring. One positive was that in the main they defended well so that gives them a platform to build from.
Key Man
It has to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is the only one in this Sweden side that showed they could open a side up in the first game and he’ll be the one the Italians base their team meetings around. If he fires he could carry Sweden to victory.
Team News
There were a few doubts over Graziano Pelle after the injuries he picked up against Belgium but having scored the winner he has been passed ok to play in this match which could well see Italy unchanged.
Sweden full back Mikael Lustig picked up an injury against Ireland in the first game and he is expected to miss this match. Victor Lindelof could move across to right back with a centre half coming into the side.
Head to Head
These two have played each other on 21 previous occasions with Italy winning nine times to Sweden’s six and there have been six that have finished level. Sweden have won just one of the last six meetings which isn’t ideal from their point of view.
Betting
Everything we saw in the opening matches for these two sides says to me that Italy will win this game. I was very disappointed in Sweden and if they struggle to break down the Irish defence I really don’t see how they are breaking this solid Italian one down.
Italy looked much the better of these two sides in the forward areas in the first matches the two played and I don’t see them letting their guard down by any stretch here. You’ve got to think Sweden will improve. It would be tough to be as bad again but I don’t think they have the necessary level of improvement in them.
Tips
WON – Back Italy to beat Sweden for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with NetBet
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