Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 17, 2016 at 2pm UK

Italy
1-0
Sweden

Eder (88')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Eder strike sends Italy through to last 16

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 June 2016

A late strike from Eder earns Italy a 1-0 victory over Sweden, a result which takes Antonio Conte's side through to the knockout stages of Euro 2016.

Italy have booked their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 with a 1-0 victory over Sweden in Toulouse.

After 88 minutes of little goalmouth action, Eder curled the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area to earn his side a spot in the last 16 with a game to spare.

Andrea Barzagli vies with Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden on July 17, 2016 © AFP

After Italy's impressive display against Belgium and Sweden's need for improvement after their draw with Republic of Ireland, there was every expectation that Toulouse would stage a competitive encounter between two sides who will expect to reach the last eight of the competition.

However, the opening 45 minutes were as uneventful as has been seen all tournament with no saves or shots of note being registered by either side as defences remained on top.

John Guidetti and Giorgio Chiellini in action during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden on July 17, 2016 © AFP

Sweden had the edge as far as general play was concerned, with Italy prepared to sit back in their own half, but only a John Guidetti volley - which was sent skywards - was their reward for all of their effort in trying to create a clear-cut opportunity.

At the start of the second half, Eder combined with Graziano Pelle on the edge of the area but the Southampton striker's volley was always clearing the crossbar by a couple of yards.

Unlike the first half, Italy were keen to seize the initiative but opportunities were again difficult to come by, with either the final ball lacking in quality or both defences dealing with any threat with relative ease.

Graziano Pelle closes down Kim Kallstrom during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden on July 17, 2016 © Getty Images

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was cutting a frustrated figure in Sweden's attack but he was relieved when the offside flag was put up after he had missed from no more than two yards out.

With eight minutes remaining, Italy almost broke the deadlock when Emmanuele Giaccherini delivered the perfect inswinging delivery for Marco Parolo at the back post, but his header from eight yards struck the crossbar.

Eder celebrates scoring during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Italy and Sweden on July 17, 2016 © AFP

It appeared that the game would end goalless but with two minutes left, Simone Zaza flicked the ball into the path of Eder who did superbly to hold on to it before curling a shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.