A late goal by Eder sends Italy through

With both teams not risking much, the first attempt came after 10 minutes when Daniele De Rossi kept the ball well, passed to Marco Parolo, who found Florenzi brilliantly. He cut inside to shoot, but his effort was deflected straight at Isaksson

Sweden responded on the 18th minute after Olsson flashed a cross-cum-shot that went over.

Italy kept growing in confidence and created another opportunity on the 20th minute. The ball broke for a sublime piece of skill from Florenzi, twisting with his body to take control by the touch-line, but he couldn’t get away from Lindelof who regained possession.

The last chance of the first half was created by Sweden on the 41st minute when Guidetti found space and fired a shot from distance that went over.

Italy had a good chance 2 minutes from the beginning of the second half. Parolo went through the Sweden defence on the right, and the ball was played back for Pelle. The Southampton forward set himself with a lovely first touch, but his volley went high into the crowd.

On the 64th minute, Italy forced an important save from Isaksson. Zaza and Eder shared neat flicks, and, with the ball reaching Candreva's toe. Steaming in from the wing, though, the 29-year-old hammered into Isaksson's hands.

Sweden were close to score the opening goal after 70 minutes. A cross from the left evades Larsson, but Ibrahimovic reached it, only to squirm a close-range effort over the open goal from an offside position.

On the 82nd minute, the Italians were denied by the post as Giaccherini shaped a lovely ball onto Parolo's head, as he was peeling away from his marker. The header was a good one, but it was inches too high, bouncing away off the woodwork.

When the game seemed heading for a draw, Eder had other ideas as the Inter Milan player popped up with a stunner on the 88th minute to send Italy through. Running at Granqvist, he forced the defender into a diving challenge, passed him by, and fired into the bottom corner.

This result means that Italy have qualified for the next round, with Sweden close to the exit, before Republic of Ireland and Belgium play on tomorrow.

Italy starting line-up: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccherini, Florenzi, Pelle, Eder.

Sweden starting line-up: Isaksson, Johansson, Lindelof, Granqvist, Olsson, Larsson, Ekdal, Kallstrom, Forsberg, Guidetti, Ibrahimovic.

Yellow cards

De Rossi (Italy), Olsson (Sweden), Buffon (Italy).

Referee

Viktor Kassai (Hungary).