In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport Sweden national team manager Jan Andersson talked about Italy, their opponent in the World Cup Play-Off. "We got Italy from the draw and we must do our job. I'm a practical man. They are a great team, they have a lot of history and tradition. We respect them but we are not afraid. - said Andersson - I followed Italian football in the 80s and early 90s. The teams were strong, I especially remember that great Milan. I have studied the Italian defence of that era, I liked Baresi, Maldini and also Gentile". But the only thing that matters for Anderson "is the present. We must only focus on their team and players as of now, it doesn't matter how many World Cups they've won".
Speaking about the present, Sweden will not count on their main man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who retired from international football: "When I first took the job in 2016 I called Zlatan. He decided not to play for the national team for now. It's his decision and I understand it. He is not a young kid anymore, he travelled a lot. I have to respect his decision".
