Italy's women (Eva Schatzer in the back) celebrate. © ANSA / MARTIAL TREZZINI

Historic: Italy's women in the European Championship semi-finals

Italy is the first team to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s European Championship in Switzerland.

July 16, 2025

From: dpa/dl

The Italians defeated Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals in Geneva on Wednesday. Captain Cristiana Girelli was the match-winner with a brace (50th, 90th). Ada Hegerberg, who had previously missed a penalty (66th), scored for the other side in the 60th minute. The Italians will face either Sweden or England again in Geneva on Tuesday in the battle for a place in the final.

The Italians, with South Tyrolean Eva Schatzer again on the bench for 90 minutes, put Norway under pressure in the early stages with their pressing. Midfield star Arianna Caruso shot just wide after winning possession (8'), and Emma Severini's shot was too central (22'). The Norwegians didn't threaten for the first time until the 36th minute, when Italy's Elena Linari just managed to deflect a cross from Thea Bjelde onto Hegerberg's thigh. A brave effort by Gaupset from 40 meters went just wide (45').

Cristiana Girelli shot Italy into the semifinals. © ANSA / MARTIAL TREZZINI

Italy struck after the break. A fierce cross from Sofia Cantore found a slight touch on her strike partner Girelli, who then tipped the ball into the net. At the other end, a penalty was awarded because Linari had grabbed Hegerberg. The fouled player stepped up herself – and for the second time in the tournament, shot wide. In the opening match against Switzerland (2-1), Hegerberg had put the ball wide of the goal on the left, but this time it went right.

The former World Player of the Year had recently been criticized in Norway. The 30-year-old still scored. After a long ball from Maren Mjelde, Italy's goalkeeper Laura Giuliani hesitated as she came out, and Hegerberg chipped the ball past her and into the net. The Norwegians came closer to scoring the winning goal after that, but failed to capitalize on their chances. This allowed Girelli to clinch the victory late on. The 35-year-old from Juventus Turin headed home a precise cross from Cantore.

Italy back in the semi-finals after 28 years

Italy's women have thus reached the European Championship semifinals for the first time since 1997. Norway has yet to make the semifinals since reaching the final in 2013. The Norwegians have already won European Championships twice. However, the 1995 World Cup remains their last major triumph. Italy, on the other hand, can continue to dream after a difficult group stage with four points and just three goals from three matches.