Italy vs Sweden - Competition: European Championship
Italy team swept Belgium aside in their opening game with a convincing 2-0
win courtesy of goals scored by Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano
Pellè. The win put the Azzurri - who were were unbeaten in qualifying
for this tournament - to the top of the group and another win would
virtually assure Antonio Conte's men of a place in the knockout stages.Antonio
Conte is not expected to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup.
Only Pellè missed a training session and could be replaced by Simone
Zaza or Ciro Immobile up front. Matteo De Sciglio has a chance of
starting in place of Matteo Darmian at right wing-back while the defense
(Chiellini, Barzagli and Bonucci) will be unchanged. De Rossi
seemed tired in midfield at the final whistle and could be rested in
favour of Thiago Motta.
Sweden laboured to a disappointing 1-1 draw with Ireland in their
opening game. The general consensus was that Sweden were a touch
fortunate to avoid defeat on the balance of play although they finished
the game much better than they started it. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was
particularly quiet throughout the opening match and he will be expected
to play a bigger role.
Mikael Lustig picked up a knock last time out and is a doubt for Sweden ahead of this match and could be replaced by Erik Johansson. Midfielder Albin Ekdal could be a contender to replace Marcus Berg if Erik Hamren decides to play with a more defensive formation. Otherwise, John Guidetti could partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.
Mikael Lustig picked up a knock last time out and is a doubt for Sweden ahead of this match and could be replaced by Erik Johansson. Midfielder Albin Ekdal could be a contender to replace Marcus Berg if Erik Hamren decides to play with a more defensive formation. Otherwise, John Guidetti could partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.
Italy last 5 matches:
24/03/16 Italy 1 – 1 Spain29/03/16 Germany 4 – 1 Italy
29/05/16 Italy 1 – 0 Scotland
06/06/16 Italy 2 – 0 Finland
13/06/16 Belgium – Italy
Sweden last 5 matches:
24/03/16 Turkey 2 – 1 Sweden29/03/16 Sweden 1 – 1 Czech Republic
30/05/16 Sweden 0 – 0 Slovenia
05/06/16 Sweden 3 – 0 Wales
13/06/16 Ireland Republic – Sweden
Date: 17 June 2016
Kick-off Time: 14:00 BST
Venue: Stadium Municipal, Toulouse
Kick-off Time: 14:00 BST
Venue: Stadium Municipal, Toulouse