Italy is to play Sweden in a
play-off to decide who goes to next year's World Cup in Russia,
according to a FIFA draw in Zurich Tuesday.
The first leg will be in Sweden on November 10 and the second
one in Italy, at the San Siro in Milan, on November 13, the FIFA
draw decided.
The Azzurri avoided Greece, Ireland and Northern Ireland in
the draw.
Italy coach Giampiero Ventura said "Sweden is a strong
opponent that deserves the utmost respect: on its way to the
play-offs it beat France in Stockholm and finished ahead of the
Netherlands.
"We'll prepare for the double challenge in November with
faith and determination: no one has ever considered the
hypothesis of not going to the World Cup".
Italy team manager Lele Oriali said "it's not an easy draw".
"We'll have to get some injured players back, and we'll have
to be on top physical form.
"They are an opponent to be respected, but we're optimistic.
"Playing the first leg away, although we'll find a warm
welcome, could be an advantage, but it doesn't make much
difference, a World Cup without Italy is not imaginable".
Here is the draw (first team plays home leg first):
Northern Irland-Switzerland
Croatia-Greece
Denmark-Eire
Sweden-Italy
Italy qualified for the play-offs by coming second to Spain
in the group stage, ahead of Albania who they beat 1-0 in their
last match.
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