Two contrasting teams go into this Group E encounter in Toulouse on Friday. On one hand, there’s Italy who are an epitome of collective performance. And on the other, is a one-man army in Sweden who almost wholly depend on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s heroics. While Italy will be looking to seal their Round of 16 berth by winning against Eric Hamren’s men, Sweden will themselves look to go through this group of death with minimal bruises.
In their first match of Euro 2016, Antonio Conte and his men produced a tactical masterclass against Belgium winning the tie 2-0. Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle helped the Azzurri's put up a show which shamed the Belgian stars.
Ibrahimovic led Sweden, however, survived a scare as they drew 1-1 against The Republic of Ireland thanks to a Ciaran Clark own goal which levelled the match after a Wes Hoolahan goal put the Irish ahead early in the second half.
Sweden will have to get their act straight and play more as a unit if they want to get a result against Italy. The Azzurri's will have to do what they do best i.e. be tactically disciplined and attack when the opponent looks vulnerable.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an obvious inclusion in any list featuring players to watch out for, we take a look at five other players who could play a crucial role in their side’s chances to advance to the knockout stages.
1) Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world at present. The 29-year old has been rock-solid in the heart of Juventus’ defence and helped them to a fifth consecutive Serie A title this year. Bonucci is showing his calibre on the European stage as well by combining with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli to form Italy’s back three.
It’s not only because of the defensive skills he possesses but a finesse with the ball in his feet which makes him a priceless asset for both the Bianconeris and the Italy national team, which was on full display against Belgium in the last match.
After winning a header, he skillfully chipped a 25-yard long-ball over Belgium’s defensive line for Giaccherini to score past Courtois.
On the defensive front, he made some impeccably timed blocks and showed tactical discipline throughout the game. One such instance was the yellow card he took for the team when Divock Origi broke out and he had to make the necessary foul to stop the counter-attack.
Bonucci is a player who will influence the game greatly. He will be responsible for marking Sweden hitman Ibrahimovic, maintaining the Italy backline and occasionally creating attacking chances as he did last night against Belgium.
2) Martin Olsson
Martin Olsson was, by far, the best player for Sweden in their game against Ireland. The full-back who plies his trade for Norwich City could not help his team survive in the Premier League as they finished 19th last season.
He, however, will hope that he produces the goods against Italy like he did in Sweden’s last match against Ireland where he was a constant menace to the defence down the right flank.
Even though Ibrahimovic’s cross led to Sweden’s solitary goal, he was anonymous for the majority of the match. It was Olsson’s inviting crosses into the box which were causing the Ireland defence problems and was unlucky not to pick up an assist.
Olsson’s performance will be crucial if Sweden are to pick up any points against the Azzurri. His role will be to stop Darmian or Sciglio, whoever plays on Italy’s right. Sweden aren’t expected to see much of the ball and Olsson’s darting runs and delivery to Ibrahimovic could decide Sweden’s fate.
3) Gianluigi Buffon
The veteran goalkeeper has been ever-present between the sticks for Italy. Gianluigi Buffon recently signed a year’s contract extension with Juventus and will look to extend the Bianconeris title winning streak to six next season.
However, the Euro test is at hand at present which Buffon will try to pass after finishing as a finalist in 2012.
The World Cup winner was dependable in the last match against Italy, coming to the rescue when called upon. He made some fine saves and organised his defence with precision.
Buffon’s main test against Sweden will be to stop any shot which Zlatan touches as well as be commanding in the penalty box. Sebastian Larsson will be a threat from set pieces and he’d have to be careful not to let any ball pass into the goal. Italy will hope Buffon delivers. But the question is, hasn’t he always?
4) Andreas Isaksson
The Sweden goalkeeper also makes the list owing to the fact that he’ll be busy throughout the match and a number of saves will what it takes to overcome Italy. The former Manchester City goalkeeper has made 130 caps for the Swedish outfit and has always been consistent between them.
In Sweden’s last match, Isaksson made three decent saves which kept Ireland at bay. He possesses a calm demeanour which gives the Swede defence added stability at the back.
Isaksson will have his hands full in the upcoming match against Italy. With most of the possession likely to be with the Italians, he will need to make some crucial stops for his team. Italy are especially strong on the counter and the Swede should expect a couple of one-on-one encounters with the Italian attackers for which he must be on his toes at all times.
5) Graziano Pelle
Graziano Pelle could be Italy’s player of the tournament if he continues to produce what he did against Belgium. A hard worker who does a lot without the ball at his feet, he is the perfect striker for Antonio Conte.
Pelle put up a good for Southampton last season scoring 14 goals in all competitions and helping them secure a Europa League position.
Tirelessly pressing and waiting for his opportunity with the ball, the Southampton striker put up a fine display against Belgium. Though he missed a couple of chances, it didn’t matter at the end as he doubled Italy’s lead towards the dying stages by expertly scoring home a Candreva cross from close range.
Graziano will look to continue what he did against Belgium. Keeping the Sweden defenders busy with his movement and shooting at every possible opening he gets would be his major role in the game against Sweden. His performance might prove decisive to how Italy fare against Sweden and in the tournament overall.
