Italy spoilt for choice in attack ahead of crunch Sweden meeting

When Italy and Sweden were drawn against one another last month in the upcoming World Cup play-offs it’s fair to say both managers would have been a little disheartened. Arguably the strongest seeded and unseeded side respectively, the Azzurri will be the favourites but know not to underestimate a team that has exceeded expectations following the retirement of their prodigal son Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Finishing ahead of the Netherlands in group A and within four points of France, Janne Andersson led his side to a victory against the table toppers and certainly have a giant killing in them. Moreover, their home form was superb, picking up 13 points from a possible 15 to lead the standings when playing in front of their own fans. 

It’s clear then that Friday night’s game will be no walkover for Gian Piero Ventura’s side. That said, the former Torino boss will have been greatly encouraged by a number of his players ahead of this international break. 

A nation that has become renowned for it’s defensive solidity, in recent times Italy have arguably been lacking a world class finisher. Andrea Belotti’s breakthrough campaign in 2016/17 thrust him into the limelight as the country’s great hope for a bright future in attack, but Il Gallo has been overshadowed in the current campaign. 

With three goals in nine Serie A appearances the 23-year-old is yet to reach the heights of the previous season but is still likely to take one of two spots in Ventura’s front two. That is despite the form of both Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza. 

The former is not only the top scorer in Italy at present but leads the way in Europe’s top 5 leagues, scoring 14 times, while a further six assists mean he has had a direct hand in 20 league goals from just 11 appearances. Such a remarkable start to the season will surely mean that the Lazio striker gets a start up front, though it would be harsh to overlook Zaza too. 

The ex-Juve forward endured a torrid loan spell at West Ham last season but is showing the struggling Hammers what their missing following a permanent switch to Valencia. The 26-year-old has played an integral part in Los Che’s unbeaten start in La Liga under new manager Marcelino, leading the line to fire in nine goals thus far - a tally only Lionel Messi can better in Spain. 

It’s clear then that a nation once held back by an apparent lack of firepower should be firing on all cylinders heading into their two most crucial matches since the Euros. Ventura’s job will probably rely on their progress to Russia next summer. He’s lucky, then, that Italy’s, all of a sudden, seems to be one of the strongest strike forces around.