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Eder notches late winner for Italy against Sweden

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It looked like they were destined for a draw, but Eder’s second-half winner proved to be the difference for Italy on Friday.

Eder provided the lone spark for Italy, giving the Azzurri a 1-0 win against Sweden at Stadium Municipal in Toulouse. The win ensured the Italians will have a spot in the Round of 16.

The 29-year-old bursted through the center of the Sweden defense in the 88th minute, before slotting his effort past Andreas Isaksson and breaking the hearts of the Blågult.

The best opportunity of match prior to Eder’s finish came through Marco Parolo, who hit the top of Sweden’s cross bar with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation.

The Lazio midfielder was the recipient of a perfectly-weighted Emanuele Giaccherini cross, but Parolo couldn’t keep his header down enough to trouble goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson.

Chances were far and few in the opening 45 minutes, with both defenses locking in and holding their ground well. The teams combined for five shots in total in the opening half, with only one landing on target from Italy.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided a few dangerous moments for the Swedish attack, however, none of them were enough to trouble Gianluigi Buffon.

The Azzurri will close out group play on June 22 against the Republic of Ireland, while Sweden meets Belgium in the finale.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Arguably one of the more tame matches in terms of attacking at Euro 2016, Eder proved to be up to the challenge of finding a winner, which he did in the 88th minute.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

There were very few chances on Friday, but Eder’s late finish gave Italy a massive lift against Sweden and a boost into the Round of 16.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Andreas Isaksson made two saves prior to Eder’s goal, but the finish could very tarnish Sweden’s chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

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