SOLNA, SWEDEN—Four-time champion Italy was left at serious risk of failing to qualify for the men’s World Cup after losing 1-0 to Sweden in the opening leg of their playoff on Friday. After a long throw-in, Ola Toivonen headed the ball out to Johansson and his deflected drive wrong-footed goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Italy’s best opportunity was a long effort from Matteo Darmian that hit the post squarely in the 70th. Sweden imposed itself with physical play, and playmaker Emil Forsberg proved especially dangerous with his passing skills, setting up numerous opportunities. Early in the second half, Italy became outraged, protesting for yellow cards claiming excessive contact.

Source: thestar November 10, 2017 22:07 UTC