Italy’s power of the collective faces Zlatan test (Reuters)

By Ed Dove 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. While Italy's team is regarded as one of their weakest in years, they make up for their lack of star power with tactical nous, a flexibility of approach and an honest work ethic which proved too much for Belgium, who were beaten 2-0 in their opening Group E clash.