Italy and Sweden will face each other for the third time at a European Championship on Thursday afternoon at the Stadium de Toulouse. Sweden fans will remember Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal that helped knock out the Azzurri in the 2004 edition.

A win for Antonio Conte’s men would seal their qualification into the Round of 16, following their 2-0 win over Belgium in the first round of Group E matches. Wing-back Emanuele Giaccherini opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, expertly controlling Leonardo Bonucci’s lofted ball into the penalty area before coolly finishing past Thibaut Courtois. Southampton striker Graziano Pelle sealed the victory in the 93rd minute, volleying in Antonio Candreva’s cross.

Italy’s win, masterminded by Conte’s tactics, will serve as a reminder that the 2006 World Champions are not to be underestimated.

Speaking after the match, Conte said: “We’ve got to be happy today, a bit happy tomorrow and then we have to prepare for Sweden because the memory of two years ago is still fresh, when we did well against England and then lost [to Costa Rica in the group stage]. That’s a wound which remains in the minds of our players and fans.

“We have big intentions and our objective remains the same, to get into the last 16. The objective is to get where we deserve to be, without any regrets. I think the fans are pleased when they see 23 players giving everything on the field and being willing to spill blood.”

Sweden, meanwhile, began their Euro 2016 campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland, thanks to Ciaran Clark’s own goal levelled things up.

Defender Mikael Lustig picked up a groin injury in the match and was replaced by Erik Johansson. Lustig is an early doubt for the game, although Albin Ekdal could return to the starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Isaksson will be hoping for an improved performance from his team on Thursday. “We’re disappointed. I feel disappointed we didn’t take all three points today. We didn’t really play to our potential in the first half. Now we just need to recharge our batteries. We still have the same desire,” he said.

Team News

Manchester United's Matteo Darmian was substituted on the hour mark against Belgium and was thought to be carrying an injury, so he could start on the bench.

Goalscorer Pelle has also been cleared to play after missing training on Tuesday with a foot injury picked up in Paris, but scans showed there was no damage.

If selected, the striker will play with his fingers strapped up after dislocating them.

Mikael Lustig is an injury concern for Sweden after picking up a groin injury against the Republic of Ireland and could sit out the contest in Toulouse.

The remainder of the squad are expected to be available, and there could well be changes as Hamren looks for his first win of Euro 2016.

Match stats

Italy are currently on a four game unbeaten run against Sweden (W3 D1). The Scandinavians' last victory dates back to June 1998, in a friendly (1-0).

However, Italy have gone six competitive matches against Sweden without keeping a clean sheet (W2 D1 L3).

Sweden have never scored more than once in their last eight matches versus Italy, a run dating back to 1984.

This will be the third time Italy have met Sweden in the European Championships; the Azzurri claiming victory in the 2000 edition (2-1) whilst the meeting four years later ended as a draw (1-1).

Seven of the last nine Italy goals against Sweden have come in the first-half.

Italy are unbeaten in their 11 competitive games under Conte (W8 D3). Their last defeat dates back to June 2014 against Uruguay.

Italy have never scored more than two goals in their 34 games at the European Championships.

The only previous time Italy won their first two Euro games was in 2000, when they eventually reached the final.

Sweden have only won three of their last 15 games at the European Championships (D5 L7).

Sweden scored despite not having a single shot on target in their opening game against Republic of Ireland.

Ibrahimovic is the last Swedish player to score against Italy, back in June 2004 at the Euros (1-1). None of his four shots against the Republic of Ireland were on target.

Possible XI

timidapsin:
Sweden to win

Chimaritoponcho:

guy borris comot for ya head?

timidapsin:
from your grand dads head

mukina2:
c'mon Ibra!

i need fantasy points!

Funjosh:





You supported Wales yesterday they lost to England now you are supporting Sweden well I know where it will also end

Funjosh:


You supported Wales yesterday they lost to England now you are supporting Sweden well I know where it will also end

mukina2:

be like you dey find holiday