Italy 2 Spain 0: Graziano Pelle sealed Italy’s place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals with a stoppage-time strike to sink reigning champions Spain at the Stade de France yesterday.

How much will Ireland’s historic victory affect the way Italy approach their showdown with Spain on Monday?

So the Italians will rest their star performers on Wednesday to afford Ireland an easy ride to joining them in the knockout stages of Euro 2016? Well, think again.

Aston Villa slumped to the brink of relegation from the top flight for the first time in 29 years following a 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth.

Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 opponents Sweden and Italy began their build-up to this summer’s tournament with disappointing results on a busy night of international friendlies.

Graziano Pelle ended a four-month wait for a goal with a first-half brace as Southampton defeated Stoke to go up to seventh in the Barclays Premier League table.

Tomas Rosicky was left “devastated” by his latest injury setback which could see him ruled out for over a month, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Former Irish international Tony Cascarino believes Sweden are there for the taking in the Republic of Ireland‘s opening Euro 2016 fixture.

Southampton 0 Arsenal 4: Arsene Wenger admitted he is unsure when Jack Wilshere will be back in an Arsenal shirt, after a grim night for the title chasers on the south coast.

Jamie Vardy missed two good chances to extend his goalscoring streak to 12 straight games but a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick sent Leicester back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Manuel Pellegrini has refused to discuss fresh rumours linking Manchester City with Lionel Messi.

Ronald Koeman has backed Shane Long to spearhead Southampton’s attack at Manchester City in the absence of suspended top-scorer Graziano Pelle.

Steven Davis believes Graziano Pelle is “vital” to Southampton after the striker scored his ninth goal of the season in Sunday’s win over Bournemouth.

Robin van Persie endured a miserable night scoring an own goal as Holland failed to qualify for the European Championships following a 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic last night.

Chelsea 1 Southampton 3: John Terry offered his backing to Jose Mourinho after Chelsea’s season took a significant turn for the worse on Saturday.

Southampton 2 Manchester United 3: Manchester United’s transformation is gaining momentum thanks to two goals from Anthony Martial in a 3-2 victory at Southampton which takes them to second in the table; but it wasn’t quite enough to end a long-running debate over the quality of their defence.

The best performances and palaver from the Premier League.

Wales are poised to end their 58-year wait to play at a major tournament after Gareth Bale’s late winner on a balmy night in Nicosia.

Southampton 3 Norwich 0: Ronald Koeman insists Victor Wanyama will still be a Southampton player when the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday evening despite the former Celtic man telling the Dutchman he wants leave St Mary’s.

Watford and Southampton are still searching for their first Barclays Premier League wins of the season after playing out a scrappy goalless draw at Vicarage Road.

Everton won at Southampton today, thanks to two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a strike from Ross Barkley.

Romelu Lukaku’s brace set Everton on course for an impressive first win of the season as Roberto Martinez’s side secured a surprisingly comprehensive victory at Southampton.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 SOUTHAMPTON 2:

There is never any shortage of narratives when the Premier League season begins. 

Shane Long will miss Southampton’s return Europa League clash with Vitesse Arnhem tonight as the Saints look to add to their convincing opening win (7pm).

Manchester City 2 Southampton 0: Frank Lampard brought his glittering career in English football to an end in fitting fashion with a goal as City wrapped up their Barclays Premier League campaign with a sixth successive win.

Hat-trick record-breaker Sadio Mane was quick to praise fellow star man Shane Long after Southampton got their European challenge back on track with a rout of dismal Villa.

Mauricio Pochettino frustrated the fans that once adored him as Tottenham twice came from behind to secure a draw on his first return to Southampton.

Christian Benteke scored his eighth goal in six games to hand Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood a winning return to Tottenham.

Everton 1 Southampton 0: Everton finally removed any lingering doubt that they will still be competing in the Premier League next season but the talk afterwards was as much about those not playing as the players who secured a third successive league win for the first time in a year.

Wayne Rooney knows Champions League qualification is Manchester United’s to lose, making this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa all the more important.

Roy Hodgson leapt to the defence of Phil Jones after he was criticised for his performance in England’s 1-1 draw with Italy.

Italy 1 (Pelle 29) England 1 (Townsend 79)