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Italy will aim to secure their spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia over the next few days as they face Sweden in a two-legged play-off for a place at the tournament.

The tie is one of four taking place across Europe as eight nations battle it out for the final four places on offer for UEFA teams.

Northern Ireland versus Switzerland and Croatia against Greece kicks things off on Thursday, followed by Italy’s visit to Sweden on Friday.

Denmark versus Republic of Ireland completes the first leg matches on Saturday, with the return games scheduled to take place between Sunday and Tuesday.

There will be thousands of betting opportunities across all four games, so visit www.casinosinuk.co.uk to boost your bankroll before wagering.

Italy missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup after finishing second behind Spain during the group stages.

The Azzurri are 1/3 favourites to qualify, but they won’t find things easy against a Sweden side that finished above the Netherlands to secure their play-off spot.

Sweden are 2/1 to qualify and having lost just once at home in their last eight meetings with Italy they will fancy their chances of going through.

Italy won four out of five away from home during the qualifying campaign and if they can keep things tight in Sweden they may prove too strong with the second leg taking place at the San Siro in Milan.

Northern Ireland could be worth an interest 11/4 to progress to Russia at the expense of Switzerland.

The Irish haven’t conceded a goal during two previous meetings with the Swiss and won four out five on home soil during the qualifiers without their goal being breached.

Switzerland won nine of their ten qualifiers to finish second in their group behind Portugal and are 1/4 favourites to progress.

Croatia are also 1/4 to reach Russia, but Greece are another nation capable of springing a surprise.

Greece have won two and drawn three of their six previous matches against Croatia and can be backed at 5/2 to take their place in Russia.

However, Croatia’s recent home record in qualifiers is impressive, with eight wins and three draws from their last 11 games. Greece won three and drew two away from home during the group stages.

The final European tie sees the Republic of Ireland take on Denmark.

Ireland progressed to the play-offs after a deserved 1-0 victory against Wales and they look a solid bet at 5/4 to qualify for Russia.

Martin O’Neill’s side have lost just three of their last ten meetings with Denmark who are difficult to fancy at 4/7 to make it through.

The Danes have won four and drawn three of their last eight competitive home matches, but Ireland are unbeaten in six competitive away games and are expected to qualify.