- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Italy have edged out Sweden in a 1-0 win to seal their spot in the knock-out stage.
In what was a lacklustre game in front of goal for both sides, Eder seized the initiative with minutes remaining to secure victory for the Azzurri.
Sweden showed plenty of intensity early as they delivered two crosses into the Italy box after just two minutes. Italy’s defence doing enough to clear the danger.
In attack, the Azzurri were fairly quiet as the Swedes dominated play going forward. Despite being on the front foot, Sweden rarely troubled the Italy goal with Isaksson arguably doing more up the other end to intercept a handful of well placed Italian crosses.
No real efforts of merit ultimately though in a tight first half that Sweden would’ve walked away from the happier.
It was much the same after the break with the game becoming a battle of defense. Sweden fatiguing somewhat in attack as Italy seized the initiative to march forward.
The Azzurri’s first goal scorer of the tournament Emanuele Giaccherini, was found at the top of the Sweden box on 61 minutes but was pounced upon by Kim Kallstrom and robbed of any chance to take a shot and add to his tally.
Up the other end 10 minutes later, Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a shot from right in front at the far post but was saved some blushes with the offside flag raised. Sweden able to deliver a ball across goal to their offside captain at the far post who fired high from a metre out.
Both sides turned to their substitutes in the final ten minutes to try and break the deadlock, something Italy went very close to doing with 82 minutes played. Giaccherini crossing to find Marco Parolo at the far post whose header hit the crossbar and went out.
Italy were looking the more likely of grabbing a late goal and did just that on 88 minutes. Eder darting towards goal following a throw-in, beating a defender for pace on the edge of the box and firing low, to the right of goal to beat Isaksson.
It was a desperation finish in the end as Sweden got a ball into the box with the last kick of the game, only for Italy to outmuscle them for the ball with a penalty appeal waved away.
Italy leaving it late to make it two wins from two games at Euro 2016 and book their place in the knockout stage. For Sweden, they’ll likely need to beat Belgium in their last group game to progress.
Final Score:
Italy 1
Sweden 0
It’s the Azzurri up against Ibrahimovic and co. as Italy and Sweden face off in a Group E clash at Euro 2016. Join us on The Roar from 11pm (AEST) for all of the action.
Italy announced their arrival at Euro 2016 with an emphatic and surprise 2-0 win over Belgium in their opening game, as Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle scored while the Azzuri outshone Belgium.
It was a convincing display in which the Italians were able to nullify the Belgian attack while countering with real menace themselves. If they can pick up where they left off on Tuesday expect them to go far in this tournament and cause a real headache for Sweden tonight if they can’t steady themselves after a shaky start.
The Swedes salvaged a draw against Ireland in their opener, thanks to a late own goal forced by captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Having conceded straight after halftime and edging possession yet not having a single shot on target, it was a less-than-convincing display. The Swedes need to do a lot better if they want to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage alive.
With a game still to play against Belgium, Sweden really need something from this game to progress.
On paper and form, Italy are clear favourites. On an 11 competitive-game unbeaten run that stretches back to June 2014, Italy haven’t lost to Sweden in their last three encounters; winning three and drawing one. It’s not looking so bright for Sweden, who have only won three of their last 15 Euro games, and left it late to secure their spot at this tournament.
Will Italy build upon an impressive start or can Sweden switch on to cause the Azzurri trouble? Join The Roar from 11pm (AEST) for all the action.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.