We are confident of reaching World Cup - Italy Coach

Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura insisted Tuesday the four-time world champions could overcome a tricky playoff draw against Sweden to reach the 2018 World Cup finals. Italy will travel to Stockholm on Friday, November 10 and play at home at the San Siro in Milan three days later as they look to avoid missing out on the World Cup for the first time in 50 years. "We have never ever taken into consideration the hypothesis of not going to the World Cup," said Ventura. The Republic of Ireland have been drawn against Denmark while Northern Ireland will tackle Switzerland and Croatia and Greece will contest the other two-legged Europe zone playoffs. "Sweden are a strong opponent, who deserve the highest respect," Ventura continued.

"On the road to the playoffs Sweden beat France in Stockholm and finished ahead of the Netherlands. 

"We will be preparing for the double challenge in November with confidence and determination."

The Italians were condemned to the play-offs after finishing runners-up to Spain in their qualifying group, but they have not missed a World Cup finals since 1958.

Gabriele Oriali, the Italy team manager who attended the draw in Zurich in place of Ventura, said: "I think it could have been better. But we accept this draw. We are Italy and we shouldn't be afraid of anyone.

"We have optimism and history (on our side). Imagine a World Cup without Italy."

Italy fared better against Sweden in recent years with the Azzurri winning 1-0 in a group stage meeting at Euro 2016 last year.

Sweden coach Janne Andersson said he expected "two tough games" as his side fight to reach a first World Cup finals since 2006.

"But it would have been the same with other countries. I'm happy we know now. Now we can start work," he told Sky Sports News.

From SuperSport