“It doesn’t affect us at all”.
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After all, Ibrahimovic has form in delivering against Italy.
Defensive midfielder Kim Kallstrom recalled being on the field when Ibrahimovic scored an equalizer against Italy with a remarkable backward flick.
“In the initial phase we felt that those playing the Euros can’t double up, but I’ve had a talk with Zlatan”, Ericson told Reuters. “He introduced himself on the world stage”.
It comes as no surprise that the Italy players are all-too aware of the talents of the Sweden star, as the 34 year-old has enjoyed spells at Juventus and both Milan clubs in the past.
Sweden failed to register a single shot on target in their opening game of the tournament, although Ibrahimovic, predictably, had a hand in their equalising goal, providing the cross that the unfortunate Ciaran Clark turned into his own net.
“I don’t have a great memory of that goal, if I have to be honest, even if I appreciated the technique later because it was an outstanding goal”, Buffon said. “It has become one of his specialties and when he does it, it’s no longer surprising”.
Hamren recognizes that his team will need to start better than it did against Ireland if Sweden has any chance of getting something out of the match with Italy.
“I have a group of lads who are very focused very determined”.
Under no-nonsense Conte, who will take over at Chelsea after the tournament, Italy were virtually impenetrable at the back against Belgium, while dynamic and creative in midfield and attack.
“They have three very strong central defenders”, he said.
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“They know we have to work and give 100 per cent, because if we’re simply content to produce the ordinary, that’s not good enough”.
