A late yellow card for Gianluigi Buffon could boost the Republic of Ireland's last 16 chances at Euro 2016 with the Italy goalkeeper now likely to be rested for the sides' meeting in Lille next week.

Italy qualified for the knockout phase of the competition on Friday after Inter Milan striker Eder struck in the 88th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Sweden to make it two from two after opening with a 2-0 win over Belgium.

Antonio Conte's men, beaten finalists against Spain in 2012, will finish top of Group E if the Irish fail to beat Belgium later on Saturday.

And while the future Chelsea coach hinted at giving several of his substitutes a chance to show their mettle in the final group fixture in Lille, he was left infuriated moments before the final whistle.

As Sweden battled for a late equaliser, Buffon was cautioned for time-wasting at a free-kick.

A second yellow card for the Juventus keeper against the Irish in Lille next Wednesday would trigger a one-game suspension for their first game in the next round.

Conte could now hand Paris Saint-Germain keeper Salvatore Sirigu his first start in the competition, according to Buffon.

"I got a yellow card although I didn't do anything," said Buffon after the game.

"I'm one booking away from a suspenion, so Salvatore could play the next game."

Although a top keeper in his own right, Sirigu has fallen down the pecking order at PSG following the signing of German Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

The 29-year-old Sirigu also lacks the commanding presence of Buffon, the Italy captain and their key orchestrator when it comes to organising their formidable 'BBC' defence composed of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

While winless Sweden now have to realistically beat Belgium next week to maintain their hopes of staying in the competition, the Irish face Belgium later Saturday hoping to build on their 1-1 draw with the Swedes in their first game.

Italy, meanwhile, were on Friday celebrating winning their second fixture at a major finals for the first time in 16 years, having last done so in 2000 when they followed their 2-1 win over Turkey with a 2-0 victory over Belgium.

They then beat Sweden to top their group, and, following wins over Romania and the Netherlands, reached the final where David Trezeguet's extra-time golden goal for France handed the trophy to the then World Cup champions.

The similarities with that tournament for Italy, so far, are striking. After two opening wins in Group E, Italy are expected to finish top -- a scenario that would see Conte's men face the runner-up in Group D.

Spain currently sit top of Group D on six points with a two-point lead on Croatia, although the latter are facing a UEFA probe and possible sanctions after fans threw flares onto the pitch in Friday's 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.

After months of facing down the Azzurri's detractors, Conte admitted his side had "surprised" him by securing their ticket to the knockout phase.

But defensive rock Barzagli was defiant: "When people bury us, that's when we come out fighting.

"Italians have always been like that, we're tough. Maybe we're not quite as bad as people say we are, but we just have to keep plugging away and see how far we can go. We have to do that if we're to make our fans dream.

"We didn't start the tournament as favourites, but when we go out on the pitch we give it everything."