The Republic of Ireland U21s bid for a first ever European Championship qualification received a boost this evening as group rivals Italy suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Sweden.
Ahead of the game in Kalmar, Italy sat in second place in the group, three points behind Ireland, but with two games in hand.
However, the Azzuri's surprise reversal - to a side against whom Ireland have already claimed home and away victories - leaves the Group 1 table delicately poised.
Pontus Almqvist grabbed two first half goals with Gustav Henriksson adding a third after the break to condemn the Italians to their first loss of the campaign.
The result leaves Jim Crawford's side still three points clear at the top of the table with Italy now boasting just one game in hand.
Iceland remain in the hunt for qualification, sitting in third spot, just one point behind Italy.
Only the top side is guaranteed qualification for the 2021 finals tournament, jointly hosted by Hungary and Slovenia, but the five best runners-up also progress, with Group 1 currently placing well.
The Italians have a better goal difference than Ireland to the tune of +3 with the sides having already played out a goalless draw in Tallaght Stadium.
Crawford's side head to Benevento to face the Italians on 13 October, four days after Italy play away in Iceland, the site of Ireland's only qualification loss thus far.
Republic of Ireland then host Iceland in Tallaght on 12 November and conclude their campaign away to Luxembourg four days later.
