Eder’s cynical foul was surely his final step in becoming a full-fledged Italian citizen.
In a world gone crazy, there was something soothing about the sight of an Italian player cynically fouling his man to snuff out a goal threat.
Born and raised in Brazil, the Sampdoria forward, who was on loan at Inter last season, made his Italy debut two years ago.
The 29-year-old is long since qualified to play for his adopted country but one moment in the 2-0 win over Belgium, last night, will forever cement him in Italian hearts.
With 15 minutes to go, and with Belgium with a 3-on-2 counterattack, Eder jumped on Dries Mertens as a lion would a gazelle. He hauled the Belgian to the turf and duly took his yellow card punishment.
Antonio Conte immediately subbed Eder off and saved his legs, and cynical ways, for the Swedes on Saturday.
The Italians will probably carry him off the plane on their shoulders whenever they arrive back from Euro 2016.
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