By Daily Sports on November 11, 2017

A second-half goal by Sweden substitute Jakob Johansson was enough to beat Italy 1-0 and put his side in the driving seat after their World Cup playoff first leg on a chilly night.

Italy's Andrea Belotti sent an early header just wide but after that the visitors showed little ambition, seemingly hoping for a draw to take back to Milan for Monday's second leg as they battle for a place at next year's tournament in Russia.

Italy manager Giampiero Ventura says his side need a "great performance" in the second leg of their play-off with Sweden if they are to avoid missing out on a first World Cup since 1958.

The Swedes won the first leg 1-0 at the Friends Arena, the only goal coming when Jakob Johansson drilled home from 20 yards, via a Daniele de Rossi deflection.

They were the better team in the first half, and while the Azzurri slightly improved after the break, they were still disappointing.

Matteo Darmian went closest to equalising but hit the post.

Italy - who will be without the suspended Marco Verratti - will need to win Monday's second leg at the San Siro to reach the World Cup in Russia.

Ventura said: "This result is punishing. I hope that in Milan the officials give to us what they granted to them here.

"In a match as important as this we wanted a more even-handed approach. Now all that matters is getting the result.

"We have to turn everything on its head back in Milan. San Siro must give us a hand too but it is up to us to deliver a great performance for our fans."

They played at a high-energy tempo, showing plenty of aggression in their attacks.

 Striker Marcus Berg, who scored eight goals in qualifying, was booked within 50 seconds. Ola Toivonen appeared to elbow Leonardo Bonucci in the face, with Berg booked for his angry reaction to his team conceding a free-kick.

Bonucci said after the game that the challenge fractured his nose.

"The Italians obviously wanted me to be dismissed," said Berg. "They fell over whenever they could. I don't think they pulled it off very well.

"I knew there would be war tonight (Friday) and it will be a damn war on Monday."

•Photo shows Italy manager Giampiero Ventura.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 11, 2017

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