The third European qualifying play-off match for the World Cup begins on Friday night when two nations who have been regulars at the competition down the years play their first leg when Sweden host Italy.
When their respective groups were drawn out second place looked to be the best either of them could aim for so this play-off will not be a surprise for either of them which should make the match a little less daunting.
Sweden
The Swedes were placed in a group alongside France and predictably failed to overcome them over the 10 matches. To be fair to them though with Netherlands in the group too it could be said that not everyone would have expected Sweden to finish second so they have already done well to make it this far in proceedings.
Sweden were almost perfect at home in their group with just the Netherlands taking points from them on their own pitch. They won their last four including a 2-1 win over France back in June. That should see them going into this two-legged tie with confidence and if they can get a lead to take to Italy they will be delighted.
Italy
There was always going to be a genuine European heavyweight in the play-offs because Italy were drawn in the same group as Spain. Ultimately it was the Italians and their reward, if indeed it is one of those, is a tie with the Swedes to make it through to Russia. In many ways Italy have always been finishing second so their campaign starts now really.
Although they had a group in which it was expected that they would finish second they could have been more convincing than they happened to be and that would be a concern. That said we’ve seen with many Italian sides down the years that when things get serious they turn it up a notch. That is what they need to do here.
Team News
Sweden will be without Mikael Lustig due to suspension which is a bit of a blow. Albin Ekdal is injured and misses out. Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson will feature for the home side.
Italy don’t have too many issues when it comes to their squad but they are expected to be without the former West Ham flop Simone Zaza who is likely to be out with a knee injury.
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Betting
When the draw was made this was the one tie I struggled to call. We saw the better sides win on Thursday and there has to be a chance that the cream will rise to the top in this one too. Whether Italy take control of the tie in this first leg or have to wait to the second though I’m not sure.
I really can’t get a feel for how I expect the action to go in this match so I really would be betting blind, which I don’t like to do. With that in mind and with the amount of football that is coming up I’ll err on the side of caution and no bet this one.
Tips
No Bet
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