The groups for the 2018 World Cup have been drawn, with Italy's nemesis Sweden facing holders Germany.
Italy failed to qualify for their first World Cup in 60 years after their 1-0 defeat to Sweden in the playoffs, which also meant they were the only defending champions not to appear in Russia.
The Scandinavians have since been paired with Germany – who won the last edition four years ago – as well as usual suspects Mexico and South Korea.
The groups for the 2018 World Cup have been drawn, with Italy's nemesis Sweden facing holders Germany.
Italy failed to qualify for their first World Cup in 60 years after their 1-0 defeat to Sweden in the playoffs, which also meant they were the only defending champions not to appear in Russia.
The Scandinavians have since been paired with Germany – who won the last edition four years ago – as well as usual suspects Mexico and South Korea.
Elsewhere, Spain – who pipped the Azzurri to automatic qualification – have been paired with Euro 2016 winners Portugal, while Argentina and Nigeria will lock horns at this stage for the fifth time in the tournament’s history.
The groups kick off with hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia on June 14 and will be played over a 12-day period until June 26, before the Final on July 15.
World Cup group-stage draw in full:
Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
Group D: Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan