The Azzurre can celebrate exuberantly, even though they didn't get any points against Spain. © APA/afp / MIGUEL MEDINA

Losing can be so beautiful: Italy breaks European Championship ban

Italy's women's national team, led by South Tyrolean Eva Schatzer, has reached the quarterfinals of the European Championships in Switzerland, despite suffering a defeat against the mighty world champions.

July 11, 2025

From: fop/dpa

Tournament favorites Spain also won their third group match. The world champions defeated Italy 3-1 on Friday. They will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals next week.

However, there was also great celebration among the losers: Italy advanced despite the defeat, as Portugal lost 1-2 to Belgium in the very last minute of their Group B parallel match, slipping to fourth place. Italy thus breaks a long spell and will play in the European Championship knockout round for the first time in twelve years. Group A winners Norway await there on Wednesday.

The Italians got off to a determined start in Bern. Shortly after a header hit the crossbar, Elisabetta Oliviero scored in the 10th minute, aided by poor defensive play from Spain. The Iberians' response came just four minutes later. Athenea del Castillo equalized after a perfect one-two with Alexia Putellas, backheeling the ball. The favorites then took control of the game, but despite enjoying plenty of possession, they failed to create any further big chances until halftime. The Italians, on the other hand, were somewhat more dangerous on the counterattack but too harmless in the final stages.

Shortly after the restart, Patri Guijarro (49th minute) made it 18-2 for Spain with a direct shot from around 1 meters. The world champions then pressed fiercely, but initially unsuccessfully, for a third goal. Italy attempted to equalize with quick counterattacks. It wasn't until injury time that Spain finally made it 3-1 through Esther Gonzales.

Schatzer on the bench

Eva Schatzer also joined the Azzurri's final celebrations, as they watched the final minutes of the parallel match on their phones and monitors. The 20-year-old European Championship debutant from Vahrn watched Italy's final group match from the bench. The Juventus midfielder has not yet played in the tournament in Switzerland.

The parents and siblings as the biggest fans: Eva Schatzer with brother Felix, mother Elisabeth and father Richard after the second group game in Geneva.