Coach backs Italian talent

Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura hopes his players can combat Sweden’s physicality with their talent in the second leg of their World Cup play-off tonight.

Italy were outraged by Sweden’s physical approach in the first leg, and defender Leonardo Bonucci will play with a protective mask after his nose was broken during the match.

“The match could have been controlled in a more sportsmanlike manner,” Ventura said. “But we’re Italy. If we qualify we have to do so by playing football. I hope there will be better sporting behaviour.”