"I don't even want to think about the worst," says captain Buffon as he cast his spells for tonight's play-off between Italy and Sweden for qualification for the 2018 Mundial. And coach Ventura adds: "We are determined to win: not going to the World Cup would be a catastrophe" .
In Solna, Sweden, in the first leg of the play-off, however, Italy will have to give up Zaza, who was injured in training and will be replaced by Belotti, even if not in top form. Consequently Ventura will field the BBC in defense with Buffon between the posts and, in front of him, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini according to the 3-5-2 formation. In midfield there will be Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Verratti and Darmian, Belotti and Immobile up front.
Sweden will obviously be without Ibrahimovic, who has been struggling with the aftermath of a broken knee for six months, but they are a young team that runs a lot and certainly shouldn't be underestimated.
The return is scheduled for Monday at the Meazza stadium in Milan.
