June 17 – Sweden vs Italy – Italy striker Graziano Pelle looks to have shaken off a foot problem so the Azzurri, who surprised many with their highly impressive win over Belgium could be unchanged.
Sweden may be without right-back Mikael Lustig, who was forced off in their opening game with a groin injury. The Italians usually start slowly but not this time with that 2-0 win over the Belgians, the highest-placed European side in the FIFA rankings.
After several mediocre displays in qualifying, Italy have taken the tournament by storm whereas Sweden were fortunate to grab a point against the Republic of Ireland. Could this therefore be Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s moment?
The 34-year-old is trying to become the first player to score at four different European Championships and will be familiar with most of the opposition having played for Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| Spain | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Turkey | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Czech Rep | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
Czech Republic vs Croatia
Rocked by a second family bereavement in three days, Croatia will be determined to seal a last-16 berth from Group D. Following the death of captain Darijo Srna’s father on Sunday during the 1-0 win over Turkey, goalkeeping coach Marijan Mrmic’s father also died Tuesday night.
The team have pledged to go the extra mile for their skipper and Mrmic but face a Czech side who can’t afford another defeat after the opening loss to Spain and will need to be far more adventurous this time out.
Nikola Kalinic’s brace helped Croatia secure a 4-2 win when these teams last met in 2011 but this their first competitive clash. Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky’s team need to rediscover their impressive qualifying form to kick start their campaign but will have their work cut out keeping the likes of Luca Modric, whose wondrous volley saw off Turkey, quiet.
| Grp E | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Ireland | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Sweden | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Spain vs Turkey
The defending champions have not lost a game at the Euros since 2004 stretching over 13 games but if Turkey suffer another group stage defeat they will have an uphill task to avoid flying home before the knockout round.
Skipper Arda Turan issued an apology to the fans following a disappointing performance against Croatia and says his team will be fighting for their lives despite being underdogs in Nice.
Neither side has any major injury worries, with David de Gea expected to continue in goal for Spain after being named ahead of Iker Casillas.
Spain boss Vincente Del Bosque said after the Czech victory that it was ‘painful’ to axe his captain, who has won 167 caps for his country.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713551183labto1713551183ofdlr1713551183owedi1713551183sni@w1713551183ahsra1713551183w.wer1713551183dna1713551183