Italy secures place in Round of 16 with late stunner from Eder

Italy is the second team to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Yeah, we're surprised as well.

A stunning goal from much-maligned striker Eder in the 88th minute of Friday's dour contest against Sweden saw the Azzurri scrape a 1-0 victory, their second win in as many matches after a surprising defeat of Belgium in their tournament opener.

Eder, playing in his first major finals for Italy after being naturalised last year, came close to being substituted by Antonio Conte after a dismal opening half up front alongside Southampton striker Graziano Pelle.

But the Inter striker had the Italy bench celebrating wildly on the pitch at the Stadium de Toulouse with a well-taken 88th minute strike after running on to Simone Zaza's header to beat Andreas Eriksson at his far post.

Related - Watch: Eder leaves it late to sweep home Italy winner

Italy, 2-0 winner over Belgium last week, now tops Group E with six points, leaving Sweden, who had late claims for a penalty waved away, realistically needing to beat Belgium on Wednesday to have any hope of making it to the knockout phase.

After a mediocre display in Sweden's 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland, all eyes were on captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the towering striker sought to make his mark by becoming the first man to score in four editions of the competition.

But a cautious Italy restricted the former Juventus and Paris Saint Germain striker to few real chances in front of a huge army of yellow-clad Sweden fans.