Italy head coach Di Biagio opted for a 4-3-3 formation. In the early stages of the match, centre-backs Rugani and Bianchetti did not have many problems with Sweden’s forwards Guidetti and Thelin, who were not able to get many touches of the ball in the final third. On the other hand, Italy made an aggressive start and Berardi’s first attempt came in as early as the 3rd minute. The Azzurrini kept winning corner-kicks and seemed to be in full control of the game. The only thing missing was a goal and the chance came in the 28th minute with Belotti running towards the opposition’s box. In order to stop him, Sweden’s Milosevic brought him down: Penalty and a red card for the Swedish defender. Domenico Berardi converted superbly from the spot to give Italy a 1-0 lead. Sweden were unable to react and the first half came to a close with the Azzurrini’s a goal to the good.
The second half began with a long range effort from Baselli, but then Sweden unexpectedly levelled up the game in the 56th minute through Guidetti, who tapped in from close range.
Di Biagio then brought Verdi and Cataldi on in place of Battocchio and Baselli. It was Cataldi who had a good chance, but his shot went narrowly wide. The Azzurrini, with Trotta coming on for Belotti, went in search of a winning goal, but Stefano Sturaro got sent off after reacting to a challenge from an opponent. Sweden’s second goal followed just a few minutes later: Sub Ishak was fouled in the box by keeper Bardi and Thelin converted the subsequent penalty that secured Sweden three points and condemned Italy to defeat in their opening match.
''We should have put the game to bed,” analyzed Luigi Di Biagio, “now it will be tough. We have to look forward now.” Next is Portugal and no more mistakes are allowed. Schedule, results and Group B table
18th June ITALY 1-2 Sweden
18th June England 0-1 Portugal
21st June ITALY vs. Portugal
21st June Sweden vs. England
24th June ITALY vs. England
24th June Portugal vs. Sweden
Table: Sweden and Portugal 3 points, England and ITALY 0 Squad numbers:
Goalkeepers: 1 Bardi (Chievo Verona), 20 Leali (Cesena), 14 Sportiello (Atalanta);
Defenders: 12 Barba (Empoli), 13 Bianchetti (Spezia), 3 Biraghi (Chievo Verona), 17 Izzo (Genoa), 6 Romagnoli (Sampdoria), 5 Rugani (Empoli), 2 Sabelli (Bari), 22 Zappacosta (Atalanta);
Midfielders: 16 Baselli (Atalanta), 18 Battocchio (Virtus Entella), 15 Benassi (Torino), 21 Cataldi (Lazio), 4 Crisetig (Cagliari), 8 Sturaro (Juventus), 7 Viviani (Latina);
Forwards: 9 Belotti (Palermo), 10 Berardi (Sassuolo), 11 Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), 19 Trotta (Avellino), 23 Verdi (Empoli). Italy’s schedule Friday, 19th June
11:00 CEST Training session at the C.S. Holice, in Olomouc – (behind closed doors)
13:15 CEST   Press conference at the “S-port Veska” Hotel in Olomouc (players) Saturday, 20th June
19:45 CEST  Press conference at the “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste
20:30 CEST Light workout session at the “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste (MD-1). Sunday, 21st June
20:45 CEST  ITALY vs. PORTUGAL, “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste
Press conference to follow Monday, 22nd June
11:00 CEST  Training session at the C.S. Holice, in Olomouc
13:15 CEST  Press conference at the “S-port Veska” Hotel in Olomouc (players) Tuesday, 23rd June
18:45 CEST  Press conference at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
19:30 CEST  Light workout session at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc (MD-1). Wednesday, 24th June
20:45 CEST ENGLAND vs. ITALY, “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
Press conference to follow   ]]>