Sweden 1-0 Italy
It seems unthinkable but it might just happen. Jakob Johansson stunned the Italians with a second-half strike which puts the European giants’ World Cup hopes in serious doubt.
The last time the Azzurri missed out on a World Cup place was in 1958, but betting odds are now in Sweden’s favour as they head to the second leg. That game is not one to miss, and you can enjoy all the action with Asian Handicap Betting.
Italy have never previously won a competitive game in Sweden and that’s a record they desperately wanted to end, but Sweden, roared on by an unexpectedly hostile crowd at the Friends Arena, made it difficult. Italy probed and Andrea Belotti missed the first clear chance, heading his effort just wide. And while the visitors controlled possession in the first half, Sweden constantly tried to get the ball forward quickly, with Marcus Berg keeping the Italian defence busy.
The visitors continued to press early in the second half, but struggled to give Belotti and Ciro Immobile the service they needed; and on 61 minutes, Sweden struck the mighty blow when substitute Jakob Johansson fired home with the help of a wicked deflection.
Italy coach Giampiero Ventura rang the changes immediately, Eder coming on for Belotti. And as Italy surged forward, Matteo Darmian hit a post with a superb strike.
But try as they might, the favourites couldn’t break down the resolute Swedes and now have it all to do in the second leg. That will be a cracker!
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