As we begin the new week, internationals are starting to wrap up and by this Wednesday we will officially have all the 32 teams slated to compete in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Qualification has brought a lot of upsets this year, many powerhouse teams (in their region) have failed to qualify such as Chile, USA, Netherlands just to name a few however today one of the biggest teams in international football is on the brink of not making Russia in 2018, Italy.
Today, Italy will be going up against Sweden in the 2nd leg of this European qualifier. A lot is on the line. Should Sweden hold off the Italians in this match they will qualify for the World Cup in Russia, a first since 2006. Italy on the other hand will be looking to reverse the 0-1 deficit in Milan today, if they do lose the Italians will miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958 not only that but this will most likely be Gianluigi Buffon's last appearance for the side. The Swedes are not missing any players, the Italians however will be without PSG CM Marco Verrati due to suspension after picking up a yellow in the 1st leg.
Prediction
Given the stakes of this match up it is quite clear and evident that the Swedes will not be looking to attack, just to absorb the pressure and stall the 90 minutes. The Italians however will be pressing for goal, the match should be open. Ventura is planning to keep the 3-5-2 formation and bench Napoli Winger Lorenzo Insigne. Given these poor coaching decisions that Ventura insists on I do not expect Italy to overturn the deficit, they have the talent but with the coaching and they're current form it will probably not happen. Sweden will absorb the Italian waves of attack and hang to 1-0 victory on aggregate.
Sweden 1-0 Italy (on aggregate)
Today, Italy will be going up against Sweden in the 2nd leg of this European qualifier. A lot is on the line. Should Sweden hold off the Italians in this match they will qualify for the World Cup in Russia, a first since 2006. Italy on the other hand will be looking to reverse the 0-1 deficit in Milan today, if they do lose the Italians will miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958 not only that but this will most likely be Gianluigi Buffon's last appearance for the side. The Swedes are not missing any players, the Italians however will be without PSG CM Marco Verrati due to suspension after picking up a yellow in the 1st leg.
Prediction
Given the stakes of this match up it is quite clear and evident that the Swedes will not be looking to attack, just to absorb the pressure and stall the 90 minutes. The Italians however will be pressing for goal, the match should be open. Ventura is planning to keep the 3-5-2 formation and bench Napoli Winger Lorenzo Insigne. Given these poor coaching decisions that Ventura insists on I do not expect Italy to overturn the deficit, they have the talent but with the coaching and they're current form it will probably not happen. Sweden will absorb the Italian waves of attack and hang to 1-0 victory on aggregate.
Sweden 1-0 Italy (on aggregate)