The reality, though, is that Rio should be closed off by Ibrahimovic’s rumoured free-agent move to Manchester United, which continues to be the hottest topic of discussion at each and every press call. “I haven’t felt anything destructive”.
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“It doesn’t affect us at all”.
Defensive midfielder Kim Kallstrom recalled being on the field when Ibrahimovic scored an equalizer against Italy with a remarkable backward flick. “He introduced himself on the world stage”. “We were quite comfortable in the game”.
“Sweden aren’t just Ibrahimovic, but it’s clear that talent like his, as well as his conviction and his awareness of being a champion isn’t found in the others”.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland in which Ibrahimovic failed to sparkle despite playing a decisive role in Ciaran Clark’s late own goal, the Swedes are under pressure ahead of tomorrow’s Group E clash in Toulouse.
“I don’t have great memories of that goal, though I appreciated the technical skill later on”. “It has become one of his specialties and when he does it, it’s no longer surprising”.
“We are a very close group and most of the merit goes to the coach (Antonio Conte), who has been able to transmit his values”, Florenzi said.
However, Erik Hamren’s team did not manage to get a single shot on target in the game.
“Both coaches and players were really disappointed, especially the first 50 minutes” of the Ireland match, Hamren said. “I guess we will have to try to do the same”.
Sweden will face a sterner test against an Italian team that many had written off before the tournament. “They perhaps don’t have the big stars they used to but they have a strong team nonetheless”.
“A switch in play, or set-pieces, they will be our best chances of scoring on Friday”.
Should Italy overcome Sweden, history suggests they could have a good tournament as the only previous time they won their first two matches in a European Championship was in 2000, when they reached the final. We have to be patient and expect Italy to have the majority of possession, be calm and use our heads. “If we get our positioning right then we can defend well and counterattack”. We have to perform up front. “We can let them have the ball for a bit, they are not the quickest with the ball”.
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Ibrahimovic, who is a free agent following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, but has been tipped to sign for Manchester United this summer, has been included in Ericson’s provisional squad.
