Superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has called on Sweden to beat Belgium next week and save their Euro 2016 campaign after a 1-0 defeat to Italy in Toulouse on Friday.
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Thiago Motta came on to shore up the Italian midfield late in the second half and the Paris Saint-Germain player admitted that there was a lot that Italy could improve on.
The Italians are already ensured of a last-16 clash with the Group D runners-up after winning their first two matches against Belgium and Sweden.
In that context Italy were expected to again win, but during an uninspiring opening 45 minutes it was Sweden who played with greater intent and who justified previous concerns surrounding Italy’s quality.
“But I want to choose the right men as well as the right players, no matter who they play for”.
We created all the chances, hitting the woodwork and scoring the goal.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also on a booking after being shown yellow for time wasting against the Swedes. “It’s not idle talk when we say this squad really is incredible”, said forward Simone Zaza, who had been champing at the bit for his first slice of UEFA EURO 2016 action and did not disappoint when granted it in the second half. They prospered as underdogs against the team Federation Internationale de Football Association generously rank second in the world.
“Buffon stayed in the hotel with a fever while Candreva did individual work as he looks to recover as soon as possible from the hamstring problem he picked up against Sweden”, Italy said in their website.
It was a goal worthy of winning any big match and means Italy are through with a flawless record of two wins from two games, with three goals scored and none conceded. “I think there were practically no goal chances today”.
“Even on the day after the game against Sweden, Conte has continued to hammer everyone and told us we also have to win the game against Ireland”, Parolo told reporters.
He added: “I think our fans will be happy, especially the ones in Italy”.
“We have guys who are very useful to the way we play and this allows us to make the best of any situation”.
“(This) game was far more hard compared to Belgium, as we knew Sweden would sit deep and refuse to give us any spaces.
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A 94th-minute penalty rescued a point for the Czech Republic in their dramatic 2-2 draw with croatia as flares thrown onto the pitch marred Friday’s Euro 2016 match.
