Italy fell to a Jakob Johansson goal, which defletched off Danielle De Rossi to hand Sweden a narrow 1-0 advantage heading into next week’s second leg in Milan.
Italy who were unimpressive in their qualifying group, dominated the encounter, but were only able to test Robin Olsen, in goal for Sweden, twice, as the Swedish goalkeeper only had two saves to make all match.
Manchester United defender, Matteo Darmian hit the post for Giampiero Ventura’s side, but not before Andrea Belotti had missed a very good opportunity created by the Red Devils player earlier on in the game.
As it stands, Sweden have a foot in Russia next year, while Italy walk a very tight rope, something their manager, Ventura, knows must have to change.
“We just need to get a result now,” Ventura said moments after the game. “We need to overturn it all in Milan. San Siro has to take us by the hand and we must put in a great performance for the crowd.”
