(ANSA) - Saint-Nazaire, June 15 - Sweden and Hamburg
midfielder Albin Ekdal said Wednesday he was worried about
Friday's match against an Italy outfit which proved to be much
stronger than anticipated in its 2-0 opening win against fancied
Belgium.
Ekdal said the Swedes would have to "give more" than they
did in their opening 1-1 draw against a hard-working Ireland.
"Italy is stronger than we expected, before we thought
Belgium was the side to beat, but now I've changed my mind,"
said Ekdal, who has played for several Italian clubs including
Siena, Juventus, Bologna and Cagliari.
"In Lyon Italy played a very great game: they looked very
focused and disciplined, above all in defence. I'm worried, it's
going to be a very tough match.
"We'll have to give more than we did against the Irish
because the Azzurri are not like Ireland," he said.
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