Sweden and Serie A legend Kurt Hamrin insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic was “a weight on their shoulders” and can’t believe Lorenzo Insigne is benched.
Italy and Sweden go head-to-head for a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia via the play-offs.
The first leg kicks off in Stockholm at 19.45 GMT tomorrow, with the decider in Milan on Monday.
Sweden and Serie A legend Kurt Hamrin insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic was “a weight on their shoulders” and can’t believe Lorenzo Insigne is benched.
Italy and Sweden go head-to-head for a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia via the play-offs.
The first leg kicks off in Stockholm at 19.45 GMT tomorrow, with the decider in Milan on Monday.
“I think it’s almost better that Sweden are playing without Ibrahimovic, because he was a pain on the pitch,” the 82-year-old former Juventus, Fiorentina and Milan striker told Il Mattino newspaper.
“The whole team was just working to get him in a position to create something and he didn’t always manage it. Obviously, when he was at 100 per cent and it paid off, that was fine, but when he had fitness problems, he was almost always a weight on their shoulders.
“The team is different without Ibrahimovic. It might not be able to count on his moment of magic, but there are 11 players fighting hard. Ibra is someone who plays only for himself and makes sure the rest of the team does too.
“He is the best player in Sweden of the last 20 years, but the fact he’s not here has allowed everyone else to grow and take on more responsibility. You can’t play badly and win without Ibrahimovic.
“Nowadays, Sweden look like more of a team and Italy must not underestimate them. Don’t forget they beat France in qualifying and eliminated the Netherlands.”
Italy are expected to use a 3-5-2 system with Antonio Candreva and Matteo Darmian on the wings, while Ciro Immobile is partnered by Simone Zaza – who has a knee problem – Andrea Belotti or Eder.
“Is Insigne really not playing? He is a real talent, takes men on, has pace and is almost a little bird fluttering around the penalty area, like I was.
“He’s a fine winger, even if compared to in my day, he has to defend a lot more. He is helpful to the team and very altruistic.”