Eder celebrates his goal (Photo: AFP/Getty)
Eder celebrates his goal (Photo: AFP/Getty)

In a fierce battle against the Sweden, Italy managed to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament after emerging kings of the group with a 1-0 win this afternoon.

The Swede star, Ibrahimovic had a few headers on target but Gianlugi Buffon was up to the task. It was nobody but Eder who helped Italy secure the mighty victory with a superb dribble that broke the Swedish defence, then striking the ball into the back of the net with only three minutes to go to the end of the match.

Ibrahimovic had quite a number of headers but couldn't get the ball past Buffon (Photo: AFP)
Ibrahimovic had quite a number of headers but couldn’t get the ball past Buffon (Photo: AFP/Getty)
The blazing strike from Eder (no 17) three minutes to the end of the match was the decider. (Photo: Reuters)
The blazing strike from Eder (no. 17) three minutes to the end of the match was the decider. (Photo: Reuters)

The Italian coach, Antonio Conte speaking after the game, gave his views on the game and how his team has fared so far in the championship:

“A difficult game, a rough one. We struggled in the first half, Sweden did well to get into dangerous spaces. Even then, we allowed Sweden practically nothing. We created all the chances, hitting the woodwork and scoring the goal. First of all, who would’ve expected that after two games Italy would qualify for the Round of 16? Let’s begin from that positive.”

Italy have qualified for the first elimination stage of the tournament. (Photo: EPA)
Italy have qualified for the first elimination stage of the tournament. (Photo: EPA)

After a dreadful draw against Ireland, Sweden has been sent to the bottom of Group E of the UEFA Euro 2016 Championship with their future hanging in the balance. The Italians have secured the top spot of the group with six points after a previous 2-0 win against Belgium.