Late Eder strike sends Italy into last 16 at Euros
Print Edition
ITALY moved into the knockout stages of Euro 2016 after Eder scored two minutes from full-time to secure a 1-0 win over Sweden in Toulouse yesterday.
Eder ended a great run by firing home to move Italy clear at the top of Group E on six points after two matches following its 2-0 victory over Belgium in their opening encounter.
The result left Sweden in an uncomfortable position with one point after two games ahead of its final group clash against Belgium next week.
Sweden was well organized at the back but toothless in attack, with its danger man Zlatan Ibrahimovic looking a shadow of his brilliant best and hardly creating a chance.
Italy, which surprised many with its superb performance against a highly-fancied Belgium side, relied on its trademark, tight defense against the Swedes.
The Azzurri rarely threatened up front, however, until Marco Parolo hit the crossbar with a header shortly before Brazil-born Eder netted the winner.
The Italians had been praised for their unity and work rate in their opening win over Belgium, but appeared to have no answer to Sweden’s organized rearguard until Eder’s late intervention.
Eder, playing in his first major finals for Italy after being naturalized last year, came close to being substituted by Antonio Conte after a dismal opening half up front alongside Southampton striker Graziano Pelle.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren had criticized his team’s lack of attacking vitality following its opening 1-1 draw with Ireland, and while there was an improvement in the overall performance, Ibrahimovic once again failed to provide a cutting edge.
The Swedes are still without a shot on target at the tournament, although Martin Olsson proved a menacing threat down the left, sending an effort just over the bar on 18 minutes.
Having masterminded victory over the Belgians, Conte’s tactics were completely neutralized during the first 45 in Toulouse and his side appeared unsettled as a result.
Yet Conte introduced Simone Zaza in the 60th minute and he had a decisive role in the winner, heading a Giorgio Chiellini throw in into the path of Eder. The forward then cut in from the left — evading Andreas Granqvist’s tackle — and sent a curling right-footed shot round Isaksson to take Italy through.
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