#360fans – Italy vs Sweden – Euro 2016 UAE fans preview

Sport360 staff 13:24 17/06/2016
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  • Who will win between Italy and Sweden?

    Ahead of their Group E clash in Toulouse on Friday, Italy and Sweden UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    ITALY – Colin Scicluna (Teacher, Dubai)

    Mamma Mia – Italy did it again! The Azzurri came hidden in a Trojan horse of mediocrity and when Belgium were least expecting it, we left them sleeping with the fishes. High defending, good pressing and a dose of good fortune saw Italy shout out to the world that they are far from average.

    There are so many positives to take away from the Belgium game. Leonardo Bonucci stepped into the void left by Andrea Pirlo with a fantastico assist, while defensively he played incredibly again as part of an imperious back three. Graziano Pelle and Emanuele Giaccherini also passed the test, both scoring as well as convincing with their overall play, while Daniele De Rossi played with his typical spirit.

    Antonio Conte knew exactly what he was doing. His team was well prepared and well motivated. One thing we will need to be careful about against Sweden is the number of yellow cards we received, this could hurt us if it continues into the tournament. And will a team not as nervous and naive as Belgium let Italy off as easily?

    The match with Sweden will likely see an unchanged line-up, though I would prefer to see Eder as water boy. The Swedes are a physical bunch so Italy will need to keep their nerve and not fall for the trap. There’s no question Sweden need this win more than Italy.

    LIKELY ITALY XI: Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Darmian, Candreva, Giaccherini, De Rossi, Parolo; Pelle, Immobile

    PREDICTION: Italy 1-1 Sweden.

    PLAYER TO WATCH: Graziano Pelle – He was always involved in the action against Belgium but missed a few chances before scoring late on. He did however show the right mentality so if he hits the target and shows a little more ruthlessness, the Southampton man can help Italy make it six points from two matches.

    SWEDEN PLAYER TO FEAR: Zlatan Ibrahimovic –  who else? He has a strong connection with Italian football after his spells at Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan, and has previously proven a thorn in our side. I still have not forgotten the incredible back heel he scored against us at Euro 2004!

    WHERE TO WATCH: Barasti Beach Stadium

    SWEDEN – Bengt Ternström (Chief Executive, Dubai)

    Can Zlatan Ibrahimovic break the Italian backline? That really is the key question. Zlatan played in Italy for years and is well versed in the country’s style of football, with defensive solidity always the foundation on which everything is built.

    Italy were just brilliant at the back against Belgium and there’s no question that Zlatan and Co. will need to be at their most creative and penetrative if we are to grab a goal. There isn’t as much to fear going forward for Italy, though they showed their counter-attacking prowess against Belgium.

    Our first game was bittersweet really. We showed great resilience to come back from a goal down to draw 1-1 – own goal is now our leading scorer at Euro 2016, thanks Ciaran Clark! – but it was our most winnable game and we didn’t win it. I only hope that it isn’t a result that we live to regret.

    PREDICTION: Italy 1-1 Sweden

    LIKELY SWEDEN XI: Isaksson; Lustig, Granqvist, Johansson, Olsson; Durmaz, Kallstrom, Lewicki, Forsberg; Ibrahimovic, Berg

    SWEDEN PLAYER TO WATCH: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – I want to pick someone else, I really do. But we really need the captain to turn it on if we are to have any chance of keeping our hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.

    ITALY PLAYER TO FEAR: Leonardo Bonucci – It’s difficult to pick out one of Italy’s three amazing defenders but Bonucci is chosen because he also assisted a goal against Belgium.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Media One Hotel – should be lots of Swedes there!

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