Four-time winners Italy draw Sweden in tricky 2018 World Cup play-off
Gian Piero Ventura’s team hopeful that history is on their side as they look to win through to Russia
Four-time winners Italy will play Sweden in a play-off for a place in the 2018 World Cup while the Republic of Ireland take on Denmark, following the draw on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland will tackle Switzerland and Croatia and Greece will contest the other two-legged Europe zone play-offs to be played between November 9 and November 14.
Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s Italy, who were seeded for the draw in Zurich, will travel to Sweden for the first leg of their tie as they seek a ticket to Russia.
Gabriele Oriali, the Italy team manager who attended the draw in place of coach Gian Piero Ventura, said: “I think it could have been better. But we accept this draw. We are Italy and we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.
“Sweden are a very strong team, who qualified in a difficult group. They beat France and eliminated the Netherlands. We have optimism and history [on our side]. Imagine a World Cup without Italy.”
The Italians were condemned to the play-offs after finishing runners-up to Spain in their qualifying group, but they have not missed a World Cup finals since 1958. Sweden coach Janne Andersson said he expected “two tough games”.
