On Friday, two sides will meet for their second group stage game at UEFA Euro 2016. And naturally, both Italy and Sweden will be gunning for all three points. For one team, a win will secure them a spot in the quarter-finals, whilst for the other, they will need a victory in order to guarantee themselves in their first knockout round since the 2004 edition.
Italy
Although they finished as runners-up at Euro 2012, Italy, in their tie against Belgium, were viewed by some as the weaker side. Well, the Azzurri again showed that they are not a team to be dismissed as they overpowered, outplayed, and outclassed Belgium in an entertaining end to end game that had everyone on the edges of their seats.
It was also a very interesting match-up for coaches Antonio Conte and Marc Wilmots. Both men were on the pitch during Italy's Euro 2000 win over the Red Devils, and the ex-Juventus boss now got the better of his former opponent as a tactician 16 years later. Given that Belgium were regarded as Italy's toughest opponent in their quartet, some may feel that Italy's most difficult test is behind them, but they will be coming up against Sweden, who boast one of the top strikers in the world in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Southampton's Graziano Pelle celebrating after his volley secured a 2-0 win for the Azzurri against Belgium
If history is any precedent, a win for Italy not only will obviously guarantee them a spot in the round of 16, but potentially mean that they just may be able to make a run to the final. Or is it?
16 years ago, when their current manager Conte was with the squad, the Azzurri won all their group stage matches en route to the final. Coincidentally, that tournament was also contested in France. However, the hosts beat them 2-1 on a golden goal to lift their second Euro title. It's also important to note that in 2012, Italy drew their first two games (against Spain and Croatia) and still made it to the final, where they were thrashed 4-0 by Spain.
In terms of personnel, Conte so far has no selection worries, except for goalscorer Graziano Pelle who reportedly picked up a knock during the win over Belgium. However, the powerful Southampton striker should be fit nonetheless to feature for Friday's match.
Sweden
2004. That was the last time Sweden were able to get out of their group, and the Blågult will certainly want to avoid making it a fourth straight exit at this juncture. Unfortunately, their UEFA Euro 2016 campaign has not started off as well as that of upcoming opponent Italy. For large spells of their game against Ireland, Erik Hamren's men were left frustrated as they failed to even muster a single shot on target during the match.
It was also a very disappointing opener for talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Despite seeing his cross turned into the net by Irish defender Ciaran Clark, the 34-year-old missed out on a chance to open his Euro account - something that the second-most prolific goal-scorer in Euro qualifiers will be seeking to do on Friday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic naturally will be the man Italy will be focused on stopping as the two sides clash on Friday
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Ibrahimovic, who could also be featuring for Sweden in the upcoming Olympics, is no stranger to Italian football tactics, having played for Italy's three major clubs at varied points during his career. Naturally, as captain and his nation's all-time top goalscorer, he will be the go-to man for Hamren's side as they hope to build up some positive momentum after their disappointing showing versus Ireland.
Like Conte, Hamren has pretty much everyone available, with only Mikael Lustig potentially being in doubt after suffering a knock in the one-all draw with Ireland.
Which channel is broadcasting Italy vs Sweden on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stadium de Toulouse to catch Italy vs Sweden live? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together the complete list of options to tune into the game via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 9.00 EST on: ESPN3 USA, SiriusXM FC, ESPN, WATCH ESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In Italy at 15.00 CET on: RSI La 2, SKY Go Italia, RAI Uno, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia
- In Sweden at 15.00 CET on: SVT 1, SVT Play
- In France at 15.00 CET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT France, beIN Sports 2, beIN Sports 1, TF1
- In the UK at 14.00 BST on: STV Scotland, BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV 1 UK, TalkSport Radio UK, The ITV Hub
- In Canada at 9.00 ET on: TSN5, TSN4, RDS, TLN, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Italy vs Sweden broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Italy vs Sweden - Key stats & facts
- Should Zlatan Ibrahimovic score on Friday, he will become the first player to net at four consecutive Euro tournaments
- Sweden have not scored more than one goal in their last eight matches versus Italy (dating back to 1984)
- This will be the third meeting between Italy and Sweden at a Euro tournament. The first was in 2000 (Italy 2-1 Sweden) and the second in 2004 (Italy 1-1 Sweden)
- Italy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six competitive meetings versus Sweden
- Their last meeting (a 2009 friendly) was decided by a goal from Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini
- The last time Sweden beat Italy (in a competitive match) was on June 3, 1987 - during a Euro 1988 qualifier; their last (overall) win was on June 2, 1998
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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