Work ethic drives Swedes

Sweden have been resting today in readiness for Friday's meeting with Italy - a match where the Swedes' famed work ethic will be vital, according to Tobias Linderoth.

Support back four
Much will be expected at the Estádio do Dragão of Linderoth, the holding midfield player who will help support his back four against Italy's high-profile forwards. The Everton FC player said: "It's important that each and every player in our side works very hard and stops the Italians from having too much of the ball. The first 15-20 minutes of the game is crucial and a good start is vital. If we get one point it's OK, but, rest assured, we are going for all three points."

'Work as a unit'
Optimism is high in the camp and co-coach Tommy Söderberg gave an insight into the Swedes' successful work ethic when he said: "We are a small country and we have to be humble, but one could compare our side to the Swedish nation as a whole. During the dark winter periods we have to help each other. We have to work together as a unit, and it's the same thing with the national side. Everyone is working for each other. It's something that we always do."

Lucic out
Following his rib injury in the 5-0 demolition of Bulgaria on Monday, right-back Teddy Lucic will definitely miss out against the Azzurri. However, his condition is better than first thought and he should be fit for later matches. Mikael Nilsson is likely to deputise on Friday with Christian Wilhelmsson occupying the right-midfield berth, as he did successfully after coming on against Bulgaria.

'Real thrill'
Nilsson said: "Christian is a good player and even though he hasn't won many caps he's got what it takes to succeed at this level." Wilhelmsson himself said it would be "a real thrill" to start the match: "If I get to play it will be fantastic, a great experience, and I'm sure I'll do really well. Playing Italy is a boost, and with the support we have it's going to be a real thrill."