‘Anxious’ Italy overcome nerves to record second straight victory
EMANUELE GIACCHERINI insisted Italy’s dramatic 1-0 defeat of Sweden in Toulouse proved they have the mental strength to win Euro 2016.
Antonio Conte’s squad had been criticised for being among the worst national teams in Italy’s history in the build-up to Euro 2016, but they have already progressed to the knockout stages after Eder’s 88th-minute finish secured their second straight win.
Group E leaders Italy next face the Republic of Ireland in their final group fixture on Wednesday, when thirdplaced Sweden meet Belgium. Ireland and fourth-placed Belgium play today.
“This Italy side proved it has cojones,” said Giaccherini, who scored in their impressive 2-0 defeat of Belgium.
“[This] game was far more difficult compared to Belgium as we knew Sweden would sit deep and refuse to give us any spaces.
“They made it hard for us to find width, too. We felt rather nervous and anxious in the first half as we felt the pressure of the occasion but we did much better as time wore on and deserved the victory.”
Eder’s goal came after a classy run through Sweden’s defence, and he spoke of the satisfaction he has taken from Italy’s team spirit.
“It was a joyful moment. [Fellow forwards Lorenzo] Insigne and [Ciro] Immobile didn’t play, but they came on to hug me at the end and that shows our closeness”, he said.
“I dedicate this goal to the whole group, everybody who has worked with us this last year and a half and been here from May 18, because we’ve prepared well, so I dedicate this goal to the whole group.”
Sweden, whose performance was superior to that in the 1-1 draw with Ireland, are on the brink of elimination and must defeat Belgium next week to stand any chance of progressing.
“We had the chance with Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], but we didn’t create enough difficulties in the end,” said coach Erik Hamren. “They worked hard, but we didn’t do enough for a draw.”