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Italy’s women’s national team, led by head coach Andrea Soncin, are on the brink of history at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. The Azzurre have reached the semi-finals for the first time in 28 years after a thrilling 2-1 win over Norway in the quarters – a night that will live long in the memory.
The match came to life in the second half. Captain and talisman Cristiana Girelli opened the scoring in the 50th minute, delicately redirecting a sublime cross from Sofia Cantore. Norway had a golden chance to level shortly after, but 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg saw her penalty saved. Redemption came quickly, though, as Hegerberg netted the equaliser in the 66th minute.
But Italy showed their trademark resilience. With the game on a knife edge, Girelli rose to meet another pinpoint cross from Cantore, heading home the winner in dramatic fashion and sending the Italian bench into raptures.
Up next is a monumental challenge: reigning champions England, coached by Sarina Wiegman. The Lionesses had to dig deep to get past Sweden in the quarter-finals, eventually winning in a marathon penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius had fired Sweden into a 2-0 lead, before late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang sent the match to penalties. England edged it after 14 spot kicks.
Head-to-head, England lead the rivalry with five wins, one draw and two defeats in eight meetings. They’ve also won the last two encounters – 2-1 at the Arnold Clark Cup and 5-1 in a friendly. Italy’s last victory dates back to 6 March 2012, a 3-1 win in the third-place play-off of the Cyprus Women’s Cup.
