Italy vs Sweden: Azzurri can rally to claim World Cup spot
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini

Italy vs Sweden: Azzurri can rally to claim World Cup spot

Think Italy will qualify? BET HERE! Think Sweden will progress? BET HERE! Explore all bets

Odds: Italy 1/2, Draw 16/5, Sweden 9/2

Kick Off: 1945, 13/11/2017

Stadium: Giuseppe Meazza/San Siro

TV: Sky Sports

Italy have a big job on their hands to qualify for Russia 2018 after going down 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off with Sweden, but we are backing the Azzurri to come good in Milan on Monday.

The four-time winners have not failed to reach the finals since 1958 and will take heart from having prevailed in their last three home games against the Swedes.

Punters can get 87/100 for Giampiero Ventura’s side to progress and that will do for us in our Italy vs Sweden betting predictions.

A Look At Italy’s Betting Odds

Chances were few and far between in a tight first encounter in Solna, but Andrea Belotti went close with a close-range header for Italy and Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian hit the post.

The Azzurri will be without the suspended PSG playmaker Marco Verratti for the return fixture, so more creativity will be needed from their front men.

However, Lazio forward Ciro Immobile has netted 14 times in 11 Serie A matches this season and this would be the perfect occasion for him to transfer that form to the international stage.

Keeping a clean sheet is also essential due to the away goals rule, so we’re taking 19/4 for the Azzurri to go through via a 2-0 victory in our Italy vs Sweden betting tips.

A Look At Sweden’s Betting Odds

Jakob Johansson’s second-half strike, which was helped in by a deflection off Daniele De Rossi, gives Sweden everything to play for in Milan and they will be hoping Emil Forsberg can put in another impressive performance.

However, the Scandinavians did get away with some pretty rough tactics in the opening encounter and the officials may not be as lenient in front of a hostile Italian crowd at the San Siro.

“I hope that in Milan they give to us what they granted to them here,” declared Azzurri boss Ventura. “In a match as important as this, we wanted a more even-handed approach.”

Sweden striker Marcus Berg fuelled the flames by countering: “They fell over whenever they could…I don’t think they pulled it off very well. I knew there would be war tonight and it will be a damn war on Monday.”

We’re expecting a tense start to the second leg, but Italy’s class can shine through in the end.

Looking at the Italy vs Sweden odds, 29/10 for a draw at half-time and then the Azzurri to prevail takes the eye.

Additional stats

First-leg result:

SWEDEN 1-0 ITALY – Jakob Johansson

Previous head-to-head: Italy 1-0 Sweden, Italy 1-0 Sweden, Italy 1-1 Sweden, Italy 2-1 Sweden, Italy 1-0 Sweden

We’re giving away €100,000 to the players who predict the minute of the first goal in two selected matches. To get started, first login or register at bwin. You can then make your first attempt, using your free prediction, before receiving more predictions for every €10 staked with us!

Every €10 staked on sports at minimum odds of 1.70 will accumulate you an extra prediction. You can get up to 100 predictions every day. All bets must start and settle on the same day to qualify for the Predictor and you will receive your predictions the following day after your bets settle. If your prediction is correct, enjoy your prize of up to €100,000 cash!

Stay close to the action with the bwin Sports app. Access more markets than any other betting provider and scan our in-depth football statistics menu to find and make your bet selections fast. Download now.

Best bets for Italy vs Sweden

Italy to qualify @ 87/100

Italy to win 2-0 @ 19/4

Draw HT/Italy FT @ 29/10

X