Italy defiant despite being handed tough draw against Sweden to reach Russia 2018

Four-time world champions Italy were drawn against Sweden yesterday in their two-legged play-off for a place at next year’s World Cup.

Italy, who last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1958, will play the second leg at home in the most eye-catching of the four ties.

Switzerland, who finished second in their qualifying group despite winning nine of their 10 games, were drawn against Northern Ireland, who last qualified in 1986, with the first match in Belfast.

Croatia, runners-up behind Iceland in their group, will face Greece with the first leg at home.

The fourth tie pits Republic of Ireland against Denmark, who host the first match.

Gabriele Oriali, the Italy team manager, said: “I think it could have been better. But we accept this draw. We are Italy and we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.”

He added: “We have optimism and history [on our side]. Imagine a World Cup without Italy.”

The Italians were condemned to the play-offs after finishing runners-up to Spain in their qualifying group. “It’s two tough games but it would have been the same with other countries,” Sweden manager Janne Andersson told Sky Sports.

“I’m happy we know now. Now we can start work.”

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill conceded he faced a tough task against the Swiss as he bids to steer his country to the finals for the first time since 1986.

“Switzerland had a great campaign though their group was one of the easiest. Our job is to make their life as difficult as possible,” O’Neill said at the draw in Zurich.

“Having played Germany twice in the group it will set us up nicely for the match.

“Our aim is to take a lead to Switzerland and we had seven clean sheets in our qualifiers so we need a tight five when we go there.”

Former Al Ain manager Zlatko Dalic, who steered Croatia to victory over Ukraine in his first game in charge earlier this month, said the Greece tie would be “a difficult job”, but added: “I’m optimistic.”