Tactically, Italy are the best team in France.
They’re also the most patient.
They ooze know-how and if they lose a game in Euro 2016 , it’ll be by 1-0.
Zlatan hasn’t surprised the Italians so far.
They know him too well after his seven years in Serie A (six titles).
Having said all that, the Swedes are far livelier than they were in their 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland.
{ more here after the next 45 }
HT Italy 0 Sweden 0
Italy tend to coast through three quarters of the game then crank it up a bit.
Sub Paralo hit the bar with a header from 8 yards in 82.
Just as I was thinking, “Yeah, the Italians suss you out and contain you and then play 12-minute game, starting in the 80th minute”, Chiellini took a throw on the left and sub Zaza headed on and the stocky Eder caught the ball on his chest and plunged forward diagonally into the D and lashed a dipping Zola shot inside the far post.
One explosive burst towards the penalty area and a wicked shot that even Gordon Banks could not have saved.
That’s all it took.
Buffon was booked for time-wasting in the 93rd.
Antonio Conte, wearing his black suit, black shirt and black tie, has two wins and two clean sheets so far.