Italy will face Sweden in the European playoffs next month to qualify for the World Cup. The four-time World Cup champions were drawn Tuesday to play away first against the Swedes in a two-leg playoff. In other pairings it was: Northern Ireland vs. Switzerland; Croatia vs. Greece; and Denmark vs. Ireland. The eight teams were the best runners-up in the nine European qualifying groups. The first legs will be played from Nov. 9-11, with the return games from Nov. 12-14. The four winners will take part in the World Cup draw on Dec. 1 at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)