But there was good news for Cesare Maldini's men when it was confirmed that key Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero, who has been troubled by a groin injury, will take his place in Italy's 22 for France 98.

Del Piero: hoping to fit for France

"Alessandro Del Piero is among the 22, since our medical experts have told us he has a good chance of recovering before the tournament [begins]," Maldini said.

Bologna striker Kennet Andersson was Sweden's matchwinner on Tuesday with a headed goal in the 90th minute.

The game only really came alive in the last quarter, when a sluggish Italy found themselves under increasing pressure from the Swedes, who finished third at the last World Cup but failed to qualify for France.

Maldini refused to read too much into the result, however.

"We did not play badly," he said. "We missed a few opportunities, which was a pity, but Sweden are a strong team."

Italians struggle

Italy controlled the midfield in the first half, but struggled to create many clearcut chances.

Ravanelli: wasted chance

Andersson's Bologna team-mate Roberto Baggio, starting his first game for Italy since November 1994, was at the heart of most of Italy's best moves.

The 31-year-old set up Fabrizio Ravanelli for a run through on goal which the Marseille striker wasted and then two minutes before the break had the ball in the net himself only for the shot to be ruled out for offside.

But in the second-half it was a different story, as the Swedes took control and almost scored on several occasions before Andersson's decisive late header.

But despite the result, Baggio was not too downhearted.

"Unfortunately we lost, but I feel good and ready for the World Cup," he said.