Italy managed to become only the second team at Euro 2016 to book their place in the knockout stages after a 1-0 win against a lacklustre Swedish side in Toulouse.
The Swedes ended the first half with a dominant 60% of possession but failed to capitalise and create many clear chances, the Italians however picked up the pace in the second and went on to grab a later winner courtesy of a brilliant solo goal from 29-year-old old Inter Milan striker Eder.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how every player on the pitch rated:
Italy
Gianluigi Buffon – 6
An easy night for ‘Superman’ as the Swedes weren’t even able to muster up a shot on the target for the second consecutive match. Untested.
Andrea Barzagli – 6.5
Solid display. Another clean sheet for the eldest of the three in defence for Italy.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5
His efforts with the long ball weren’t as effective as the previous outing with Belgium, however Bonucci was brilliant defensively. Dealing with the John Guidetti threat magnificently and providing cover for Giorgio Chiellini who was matched up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic. One of the best defenders in the world right now.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7
Chiellini practically had one job tonight, to stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ‘King Kong’ continued his tradition of coming out on top against ‘Zlatan’. The Giant Swede will be having nightmares.
Antonio Candreva – 6
Didn’t create enough for his teammates going forward but provided great cover defensively. One of the more important members of this Italy squad.
Daniele De Rossi – 5
Usually lifts when playing for Italy. Very average performance.
Marco Parolo – 5.5
A decent showing from the Lazio midfielder. Headed effort hit the crossbar late in the game.
Emanuele Giaccherini – 6.5
Again, another good performance from the man who was on the end of much criticism for being picked. Influential in the Eder goal and some nice movement on the ball. Arguably Italy’s biggest attacking threat throughout the majority of the match.
Alessandro Florenzi – 5
Not the kind of showing we were expecting from the Roma superstar. Hard to see him retain his place for the match against the Republic of Ireland.
Graziano Pelle – 5.5
Worked hard but didn’t create near enough chances for himself.
Eder – 7
A poor match from Eder, though he took his opportunity magnificently and got the decisive goal. A brilliant run into the box leading to a curling effort to the bottom right side of goal.
Substitutes
Stefano Sturaro – 6
Brought on to provide defensive cover as Conte was happy to settle for the draw.
Simone Zaza – 5.5
Didn’t provide a great deal off the bench however, will likely be utilised more often in the upcoming fixtures. Can be a real asset.
Thiago Motta – 6
Brought on for the disappointing Daniel De Rossi. Another who may see more game time in the next two fixtures.
Sweden
Andreas Isaksson – 6
Couldn’t do much with Eder’s well taken strike. Not much to note otherwise with the Italians failing to test him in goal.
Victor Lindelof – 5.5
Underwhelming. His passing out of defence left a lot to be desired.
Erik Johansson – 7
One of the better performers for Sweden. Brough a much needed physicality into the side.
Andreas Granqvist – 5.5
Could’ve defended better on Eder’s late finish.
Jonas Olsson – 6.5
Provided plenty of pace down the left flank
Henrik Larsson – 5.5
Gave away too many fouls. Not enough of a creative outlet for his teammates.
Albin Ekdal – 6.5
A player who knows Italian football very well, having spent much of his career in Italy with Juventus, Siena, Bologna and Cagliari. Definitely one of Sweden’s better performers. Fought hard for his team.
Kim Kallstrom – 6.5
Largely quiet performance from the veteran.
Emil Forsberg – 5.5
Barely troubled the Italian defenders, like most of his team, though.
John Guidetti – 5
Someone who should’ve provided alot more. Guidetti finds himself in the right positions but fails to capitalise on his chances.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 4
A horrible night as the big man was again beaten out by his old nemesis, Giorgio Chiellini. Although offside, missed an absolute sitter in the second half from point blank range.
Substitutes
Oscar Lewicki – 6
Didn’t have enough time to have an impact on the game.
Jimmy Durmaz – 5.5
Little involvement from the 23-year-old midfielder. Sweden would’ve hoped for more from him off the bench.
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