Losing to Sweden, Italy risks having to stay home to watch the World Cup

Johansson's only goal gave the Nordic side a 1-0 home win.

Italy at risk of staying home to watch the World Cup. Photo: AP

Goal: Johansson 61'

Italy are in danger of missing out on a World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a lacklustre display at Solna's Friends Stadium. Giampiero Ventura's side were unimpressive for much of the game and allowed Jakob Johansson to score from 18 yards, which deflected off Daniele de Rossi and left Gianluigi Buffon helpless.

Italy's recent form has been poor. A 0-3 defeat to Spain and a 1-1 draw with Macedonia were disappointing results. However, heading into the do-or-die play-off, fans will be expecting the four-time world champions to do better.

Ventura started with a 3-5-2 formation, relying on the strikers Andrea Belotti and Ciro Immobile, leaving out Napoli's in-form Lorenzo Insigne. Belotti had a disappointing day. After missing the first good chance of the game when he headed wide from Darmian's cross, the Torino striker only touched the ball five times before being substituted in the 65th minute.

Ciro Immobile also failed to impress. The Lazio player let a chance slip away because of a poor first pass. In a few of his teammates' passes into the penalty area, Immobile was not in a good position.

Johansson's goal kick. Photo: EPA

Sweden pressed from deep, cutting off the connection between Italy's defence and midfield. Chances came their way in the first half. First Ola Toivonen's shot went wide, then Marcus Berg's run forced Buffon out of his goal to block.

Italy played better in the second half but while waiting for their attack to find a common voice, they unexpectedly conceded a goal. A famous defense and a top goalkeeper could not save the visitors from a somewhat unlucky loss.

Ventura made some changes in attack, hoping to create a breakthrough. He brought on Insigne for Marco Verrati and brought some freshness. But at that point, Sweden had retreated deep to preserve the score. The blue team's conductor Verrati did not leave his mark except for an unnecessary yellow card that meant he was suspended for the second leg.

A solid defense could not overshadow the lackluster performance of Italy's attack. Photo: AP

Italy's most dangerous moment of the second half was Darmian's powerful volley from the edge of the box. The ball bounced off the post and Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen stood rooted to the spot.

Sweden's solid defence was a big part of the victory. Captain Andreas Granqvist was outstanding, with eight blocks, four interceptions, eight duels won and a pass accuracy of 94.6%.

The return leg takes place three days later and could be Buffon's last game for Italy. The Juventus goalkeeper has announced that he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup.

According to VNE