Italy and Sweden will do battle for Group E domination this Friday night inside Toulouse’s Stadium Municipal.
The Italians will be looking to notch two wins from two at Euro 2016, with Sweden aiming to bounce back from their 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland. Antonio Conte’s men put in one of the performances of the tournament so far last time out, with a defensive masterclass against one of the Belgian’s dangerous attack. Meanwhile, Sweden will look toward talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an improved performance against an Italian side he knows very well.
Key Battle – Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Giorgio Chiellini
Here we go again, Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Giorgio Chiellini has developed into one of the finest battles over the last decade in football – with the two facing off many times in Serie A. For fans of Calcio, you would know just how physical, intense and entertaining this contest will be, almost worth the price of admission alone. ‘Zlatan’ will be looking to bounce back after a poor performance against the Irish where he did not even muster up a shot on target, while Giorgio Chiellini was a standout performer in Italy’s win over the Belgians. The defender has often had the better of Ibrahimovic, as the Swede has represented AC Milan and Inter Milan in many derbies against Juventus. It has been a few years since the two have gone to battle though and Friday night’s encounter will represent a reunion of some sorts between two footballers who enjoy the physical side of the game.
Team News
Italy’s Matteo Darmian is expected to be dropped after a lacklustre performance and suspected injury problem against Belgium, Mattia De Sciglio is his expected replacement. It is also rumoured that Antonio Conte will opt for a more offensive lineup with Simone Zaza, Stephen El Shaarawy and Lorenzo Insigne possibilities to make their tournament debut. The Swedes could also opt for a more attacking setup, after failing to register a single shot on target against the Republic of Ireland.
Head-to-head
The two sides have met 23 times before, with Italy recording 10 wins, the Swedes six and seven matches ending as a stalemate.
Previous Meeting
The last time they faced-off in competition was at the 2004 edition of the Euro’s – with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring in a 1-1 draw. The Azzurri later accused Sweden of colluding with Denmark as the two sides drew 2-2, knocking Italy out of the tournament. Their most recent meeting, however, was a 2009 friendly where Chiellini scored the winning header in a 1-0 triumph.
Prediction
It is hard to look past Italy after such a brilliant display against one of the Euro 2016 favourites in the opening match. The Azzurri put in one of the best performances across the tournament, however, they often lose the games they are expected to win, and vice-versa. Still going with Italy though, this is a side with Antonio Conte in charge and as we have seen with the ex-Juventus coach, his sides do not show signs of complacency, ever. Italy are even more favoured given the fact that Giorgio Chiellini matches up so well to Ibrahimovic and often beats out his opponent when they do battle.
Italy 2 Sweden 0
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