STOCKHOLM: A second-half goal by substitute Jakob Johansson was enough to beat Italy 1-0 and put hosts Sweden in the driving seat in their World Cup play-off first leg.

In other ties Honduras were held goalless at home by Australia in their CONCACAF/Asia first leg while New Zealand were also forced to accept a 0-0 draw at home to Peru in their Ocean/SouthAmerica opener.

In Stockholm Italy created little against Sweden, the Azzurri apparently content to focus on winning the the in Monday’s return in Milan to secure their place in next year’s finals in Russia.

Andrea Belotti sent an early header just wide and after that the Azzurri sat tight – until Johansson came off the bench to replaced Albin Ekdal in the 57th minute.

Four minutes later he snapped up a flick-on from a throw-in and hammered the ball through a forest of legs where it was deflected into the net.

Matteo Darmian came closest to an equaliser, sending a shot cannoning off a post, but the visiting forward line failed to ignite and Italy are now in danger of missing the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958 in Sweden.

** Senegal wrapped up qualification for the World Cup finals from the African qualifying section by winning 2-0 in Group D in South Africa.