Italy must "extend their subscription" to the World Cup by beating Sweden in a playoff, according to Gianluigi Buffon, who is intent on ending his career with a sixth World Cup appearance.
Italy have played in every World Cup since 1958 -- when Sweden were the hosts and beaten finalists -- and that is a record Buffon, 39, says must be preserved over two of the most important games in his lengthy career.
Buffon said at a news conference in Solna: "It's a special game because it's been a long time since we last played a playoff and it's normal that facing Sweden over two legs makes everything all exciting because they are games that will permit us or them to punch our ticket to a great tournament, which we are subscribed to and have strong feelings about.
"We need to do all we can to ensure our subscription extends."
Victory in Sweden on Friday night would be a positive step towards Russia, but Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura says nothing will be won or lost in the first leg, although he emphasised that the focus will be on attack.
"It's a game over 180 minutes," he said. "I think it's important to try to score a goal [on Friday] so I hope we can get one. We have great respect for Sweden who have a great team and are organised, but on the other hand there is Italy who, humbly, want to and will go to the World Cup."
Ventura's statement that the priority is scoring and not ensuring they do not concede is a step away from some of Italy's traditions, and something which defender Giorgio Chiellini says concerns him.
The Juventus defender said earlier that he cannot see many future sides building success on such defensive stability -- and that Pep Guardiola should be held accountable.
Chiellini will partner Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in a defence which, in front of Buffon, provided the foundations of Italy's impressive run at Euro 2016.