Italy odds-on to miss out on World Cup spot

Italy haven't missed out on a World Cup finals since 1958 but they are marginal outsiders to qualify from their playoff tie with Sweden after a 1-0 defeat in Friday's first leg.

The Azzurri are evens to overturn that deficit in Milan on Monday while the Swedes are 10-11 to secure their place in Russia.

Jakob Johansson's goal gave Sweden victory in the home leg and Italy will be without suspended midfielder Marco Verratti for the return fixture.

The hosts are 1-2 to win Monday's San Siro clash in 90 minutes, with Sweden 13-2 and the draw 10-3.

Punters who expect the four-time World Cup winners to prevail can get 25-1 about the Italians lifting the trophy next summer.

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