Four-time world champion Italy was given a tough draw against Sweden on Tuesday in their two-legged playoff for a place at next year's World Cup.
Italy, which last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1958, will play the second leg at home on Nov. 13 in the most eye-catching of the four ties.
Switzerland, which finished second in their qualifying group despite winning nine of their 10 games, was drawn against Northern Ireland, which last qualified in 1986, with the first match in Belfast.
Croatia, which was runner-up behind Iceland in its group, will face Greece with the first leg at home.
The fourth tie pits Ireland, which will be playing in a playoff for a major tournament for the ninth time, against Denmark, which hosts the first match.
Sweden has not beaten Italy in its last five meetings, since a friendly in 1998, and the Italians won a dour game 1-0 at Euro 2016.
But the prospect of having their fate decided in a two-leg playoff, after finishing runner-up behind Spain in its group, has the Italian media and public on edge.
"We will prepare for the challenge with faith and determination," said Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura in a statement on the Italian federation's website.
"The love of all Italians will accompany us. History teaches us that it is always this way in the do-or-die moments. We will all go to Russia together."
Sweden coach Janne Andersson was confident.
Reuters/ Zurich
Italy, which last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1958, will play the second leg at home on Nov. 13 in the most eye-catching of the four ties.
Switzerland, which finished second in their qualifying group despite winning nine of their 10 games, was drawn against Northern Ireland, which last qualified in 1986, with the first match in Belfast.
Croatia, which was runner-up behind Iceland in its group, will face Greece with the first leg at home.
The fourth tie pits Ireland, which will be playing in a playoff for a major tournament for the ninth time, against Denmark, which hosts the first match.
Sweden has not beaten Italy in its last five meetings, since a friendly in 1998, and the Italians won a dour game 1-0 at Euro 2016.
But the prospect of having their fate decided in a two-leg playoff, after finishing runner-up behind Spain in its group, has the Italian media and public on edge.
"We will prepare for the challenge with faith and determination," said Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura in a statement on the Italian federation's website.
"The love of all Italians will accompany us. History teaches us that it is always this way in the do-or-die moments. We will all go to Russia together."
Sweden coach Janne Andersson was confident.
Reuters/ Zurich
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