By Daily Sports on November 9, 2017

The last burst of qualifying matches for the 2018 World Cup allows some nations a chance to dream, but for football aristocrats Italy, the next few days are a potential nightmare.

The last nine places in Russia will be settled in seven frantic days starting on Thursday.

There are four berths up for grabs in Europe, where the eight best runners-up in the nine groups have been paired in home-and-away play-offs.

The last three of Africa's five qualifiers will be settled in the final round of group games, although Senegal and South Africa will squeeze in an extra match on Friday.

There are two long-distance play-offs as New Zealand face Peru and Australia play Honduras.

In Europe, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland are all seeded and play the second leg at home.

For Italy and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon that might not be such an advantage against Sweden.

The Azzurri drew at home with both Spain and Macedonia in its group.

The play-off puts Italy's proud record of World Cup participation in danger. The Azzurri are tied with Germany for most appearances by a European nation, 18. But Germany have already made sure of a 19th berth.

Italy are also the only one of the eight previous winners not yet sure of their place in this World Cup.

Italy's defence needs to beware of Sweden, the top scorer among the eight playoff teams, with 26 goals in 10 games.

Switzerland collected 27 points in its 10 group games, more than five of the nations that won their groups. Yet it came second on goal difference to Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

"They're obviously the seeded team, so the pressure's more on them than us," Northern Ireland forward Jamie Ward said. "We're always great as the underdogs, so I think it was a bit of a bonus us not being seeded." © AFP

•Photo shows Italian players in one of their qualifying matches.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 9, 2017

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