Sweden 0 - 0 Italy: Tops & Flops of the first half
- Nima Tavallaey Roodsari (@NimaTavRood)
Sweden have started really well but Italy has defended well and been very close to taking the lead via lethal counter attacks.
TOPS:
Albin Ekdal: Probably the best player on the pitch overall in the first half. His patience, cool head and swift intelligent passing is the main reason why Sweden have had more of the play in the first 45 minutes.
Marco Verratti: The Azzurri playmaker has been Italy's best player after the first 45 minutes. A reference point for the entire team who adjust according to his position on the pitch. Will be sorely missed in the return leg at the San Siro due to the yellow card he picked up.
FLOPS
Ola Toivonen: His awful finishing, awkward ball control and slow movement have cost Sweden at least 1 goal so far. At times it looks as if he's playing in slow motion.
Andrea Belotti: Missed an absolute sitter in the beginning of the half where missing the goal was harder than scoring. The Torino striker who only recently came back from his injury has been looking very rusty.