Italy locked at 0-0 with Sweden at half-time

MILAN: Italy were level at 0-0 against Sweden at half-time of the second leg of their World Cup play-off at the San Siro on Monday, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit to avoid failing to qualify for the first time in 60 years.

The Italians struggled to break down their stubborn visitors early on before improving without reward, as Antonio Candreva fired over and Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen denied Alessandro Florenzi and Ciro Immobile.