Ibra vs Italy

Sweden had their hopes pinned on their charismatic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to guide them through the group stages. However, the six-and-a-half foot Swede looked lacklustre in the opening game against Ireland. Pundits singled him out to have underperformed and Ibra should be back to what he does best – tormenting defenders. Sadly, Ibra will have to do all on his own against the inform Italians, as rest of his team are nowhere near his calibre. Kim Kalstrom’s left foot was once dreaded and he made a name for himself in set piece deliveries, but he is now a shadow of his former self. The Swedish will still need him in the midfield to try and control proceedings of the game. It will have to be seen whether his set peice deliveries are still as good as they once were? The team which plays a 4-4-2 formation will see Berg partnering Ibra up front. However, they have an injury concern with Lustig picking up injury in the previous game. His replacement will have task cut out against the pace of Italian full backs. Pundits ruled out Italy as strong contenders but they surprised everyone with their 2-0 victory over Belgium. Antonio Conte’s side played a defensive 5-3-2 formation and it has brilliantly shutdown the attacking menace of the Belgians. The Azzuri will look for a repeat performance against Sweden. The striker duo Graziano Pelle and Eder were a perfect foil to one another. Pele’s aerial prowess and Eder’s explosive pace will be challenge for the Swedish defence, which at best can be described as mediocre. In the midfield, De Rossi who seems tired in the previous fixture might give way to Thiago Motta. Parolo and Giacherini will look to repeat their performance in the midfield. Manchester United’s Mateo Darmain, who played as left wing back was injured and will most probably be replaced by Di Sciglio. However, if Conte wants to inject more bite in his attack, he might play Florenzi. The defence trio of Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli were superb against the Belgians, who barely tested them. However, things might be different against the Swedish, as Ibra on his day is unstoppable. Bonnuci will have his task cut out to contain the marauding Swedish striker. It will take an Ibra special for Sweden to win.