Eder helps Italy clinch Euro 2016 spot with 3-1 win against Azerbaijan

Sampdoria’s Eder Citadin Martins was instrumental in Italy’s 3-1 success in Azerbaijan today, scoring the first, having a hand in the second and very nearly bagging a third.

The three points take Antonio Conte’s side up to 21 points in Group H and makes sure of their place in next year’s European championships in France.

The Blucerchiati striker was in inspirational form almost from the off at the Olimpiya Stadionu in Baku. He broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes when he ran onto Verratti’s ball and slotted calmly beneath Agayev. Nazarov then equalised for the Azeris (31) before Eder’s slide-rule pass picked out Candeva, who in turn crossed for El Shaarawy to restore Italy’s lead. After the restart Eder was denied a brace when he chipped the keeper only to see Sadygov make a last-ditch clearance off the line. Darmian did make it 3-1 in the 65th minute before Eder made away for Giovinco (78).

Roberto Soriano, the other Doria man in the Italy squad, was an unused substitute but could feature in Tuesday’s match against Norway at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. That game will determine who finishes top of the group as the Norwegians are currently second on 19 points.