Italy’s power of the collective faces Zlatan test


By Ed Dove
Football Soccer - Belgium v Italy - EURO 2016 - Group E - Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France - 13/6/16 Italy's Graziano Pelle celebrates after scoring their second goal REUTERS/Max Rossi Livepic

TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) - Italy's victory over Belgium was celebrated as a triumph of the team over individual talents, but Friday's opponents Sweden are relying on the singular genius of frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic to get their Euro 2016 campaign off the ground.

Italy had last won their opening match at a European Championship in 2000 -- when they went on to reach the final -- and having started strongly, Antonio Conte's side are being talked of as contenders once again.

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