The decisive second-leg between Italy and Sweden takes place on Monday evening with a place in the 2018 World Cup at stake. Both teams failed to win their group but the play-off system has presented a final opportunity to propel their country towards the biggest tournament in world football.
UEFA World Cup Qualification – Friends Arena, Solna – Monday 13th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Betfair |
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Italy
SwedenItaly
The Azzuri finished in second place in their World Cup qualification group behind 2010 Champions Spain – finishing 5 points adrift. Their 1-1 draw with Macedonia on match day 9 proved costly. The Blues managed 21 goals in their qualification campaign – 15 less than group winners Spain. Gian Pierro Ventura’s men will be hoping home advantage can push them over the line against a dangerous Swedish side.
Sweden
Sweden has an impressive qualifying campaign, finishing second in group A behind France – but importantly ahead of the Netherlands. They scored an impressive 26 goals in qualifying – including a historic 8-0 win over Luxembourg that paved their path towards the play-offs. Janne Andersson’s men have coped well without Zlatan Ibrahimovic so far this campaign and will need to be at their best here.
Head to Head
Italy hold a strong lead in the head to head records between the two sides – leading by 10 games to 6 with an additional 6 draws between the two teams. Their last meeting came in the fire cracker environment of Euro 2016 – a game which Italy won 1-0 thanks to an 88th minute strike from Eder.
Odds and Predictions
Both teams have scored plenty of goals in their qualification campaigns and will need to go for the win.
Over 2.5 goals in the game looks a strong bet at 7/5 with Bet 365.
Andrea Belotti has been talismanic for his national team so far this campaign.
Andrea Belotti to score anytime looks overpriced at 11/5 with Uni Bet.
Italy look in good form and will want to utilise their home advantage.
Italy to win the game looks good value at 4/7 with Betfair.
Italy have had a strong qualification campaign and will want to cap it with qualification.
Italy to qualify from the tie looks well priced at 4/11 with Sky Bet.
Score Prediction
Italy 2 – 1 Sweden – 8/1 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip
Italy will know what they need to do going into the second leg and should be capable of doing it at home.
Italy to win the match and both teams to score represents value at 7/2 with Coral.