Unbeaten yet dissatisfied: The Azzurre after the 1-1 draw against Portugal. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Italy puts its quarter-final ticket at risk

Eva Schatzer and Italy's national football team missed out on an early place in the quarterfinals of the European Championship in Switzerland. Things had been looking so good for the Azzurre for a long time.

July 07, 2025

From: fop/dpa

After conceding a late goal, Italy had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their second group match against Portugal. Now the 20-year-old from Vahrn Eva Schatzer, who is still waiting for her first European Championship appearance, and her teammates are once again nervous. The overwhelmingly powerful Spanish team awaits in the final group match.

The Iberians clearly won their second appearance at the European Football Championship on Monday, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The co-favorites beat Belgium 6-2 on Monday. The Belgians equalized twice in Thun, but the world champions' dominance was reflected in the result. Spain now has a goal difference of 11-2 after two matches.

Italy falters after taking the lead

Italy celebrated in Geneva after a stunning goal from Laura Giuliani in the 70th minute. The captain curled the ball into the top corner from just 17 meters after a counterattack. It was a deserved lead. Cecilia Salvai headed the ball onto the crossbar in the first half, and Portuguese goalkeeper Patricia Morais, who hadn't always looked confident, saved her team from conceding with a foot save shortly before halftime.

Laura Giuliani gave Italy a spectacular lead. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

With elimination in sight, the Portuguese threw everything at the attack and were rewarded. A goal by Diana Silva was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review, before Diana Gomes equalized in the 89th minute. Italy now faltered considerably and also had chances to score a second goal in a turbulent finish. Portugal's Ana Borges received a second yellow card for the second half (1th minute).

Not only would Portugal have to win against Belgium and Italy lose to Spain in the final round, but the Iberians would also have to make up their six-goal goal difference. If they fail to do so, the Azzurre will advance to the quarterfinals as group runners-up.