Italy to face Sweden in World Cup playoff

Four-time winners Italy will play Sweden in a playoff for a place in the 2018 World Cup while the Republic of Ireland take on Denmark, following Tuesday's draw. Northern Ireland will take on Switzerland and Croatia will tackle Greece in the other two-legged Europe zone playoffs to be played between November 9 and November 14. Italy and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who were seeded for the draw in Zurich, will travel to Sweden for the first leg of their tie. Sweden coach Janne Andersson told Sky Sports News: "It's two tough games but it would have been the same with other countries.

World Cup playoff draw:

N Ireland vs. Switzerland Croatia vs. Greece Denmark vs. Rep of Ireland Sweden vs. Italyhttps://t.co/Jvwqtihrx0 — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 17, 2017

"I'm happy we know now. Now we can start work." The Italians were condemned to the playoffs after finishing runners-up to Spain in their qualifying group. Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill admitted he faced a tough task against the Swiss as he bids to steer his country to the finals for the first time since 1986. The Northern Irish will play at home in the first leg.

? Here we go! Follow the European #WCQ play-off draw live now, as 8 teams prepare to battle for 4 of these!?️?️?️?️ ?https://t.co/K8mps0xTy1 pic.twitter.com/dJO3UZtKNI

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 17, 2017

"Switzerland had a great campaign though their group was one of the easiest. Our job is to make their life as difficult as possible," he said at the draw in Zurich. "Having played Germany twice in the group it will set us up nicely for the match," O'Neill said. "Our aim is to take a lead to Switzerland and we had seven clean sheets in our qualifiers so we need a tight five when we go there."

OFFICIAL: World Cup 2018 European play-off draw:

?? Croatia ? Greece ?? — Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 17, 2017

  DRAW RESULT:  Northern Ireland v Switzerland Croatia v Greece Denmark v Ireland Sweden v Italy Two-legged ties to be played Nov. 9-11 and Nov. 12-14