Swedes fear Totti backlash

Plug the gap
Lagerbäck does not think Italy will change their tactics when the two teams meet on Friday and expects them to effectively plug the gap, with Antonio Cassano favourite to deputise for Totti at Porto's Estádio do Dragão.

'Tough blow'
"Totti is a superb player, a world-class player, so of course the fact he can't play is a tough blow for the Italians, but any player who comes in and fills his slot will certainly do well as he wants to prove himself," Lagerbäck said.

Tactics unchanged
"But in all honesty we don't expect any major changes because of Totti's suspension. The Italians have got their way of playing and we believe they'll stick to that, as we would surely do if it happened to any of our players," he added.

World-class players
Defender Andreas Jakobsson feels Sweden should concentrate on their own tactics rather than worry about Italy's. "With or without Totti, Italy are a very good team. They have 23 world-class players in their side, they have a strong defence and can easily close down any team they play against," he said.

Think positively
"At the same time it's important that we believe in our own style and that we play along the lines that we've set up. An early goal for Italy would not be good, but on the other hand the game is 90 minutes, and you always have to think positively."

Ljungberg warning
But midfield player Fredrik Ljungberg, who scored in Sweden's 5-0 defeat of Bulgaria, warned against complacency with his team top of Group C following the first round of matches. "Just because we won 5-0 and Italy drew, it doesn't mean that we've all of a sudden become favourites," he said.

No pressure
"We'll go into the game without any pressure, we know we can do well, while Italy will probably feel some pressure as they are in greater need of the points than we are. I expect a tense match and the most important thing for us is to dare to go forward as well as keeping tight at the back. We've got the players to do this, and we've got a lot of confidence."