The Italians suffered a bitter defeat. © APA/afp / SEBASTIEN BOZON

Schatzer & Co. shed tears after dramatic knockout

Italy's football icon Cristiana Girelli wept bitterly as she appeared before the cameras after the late double knockout in the European Championship semifinal against England. A reporter handed her a tissue, but it did little to help.

July 23, 2025

From: dpa

"Of course we wanted this final, because it would have meant something truly incredible, something extraordinary," said the 35-year-old striker, who was substituted early due to a cramp. "Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Football gives, football takes."

Deep into injury time in Geneva, everything pointed to Italy's first appearance in the final of a major tournament since 1997. Then came the first shock: Michelle Agyemang (90'+6') scored to make it 1-1 – extra time. In extra time, disaster struck again late: Emma Severini brought down Beth Mead in the penalty area, Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the penalty in the 119th minute and scored on the rebound. 1-2. Full-time whistle. Girelli said she had "a truly incredible bitterness in her mouth."

Italy doubts penalty call

"We were one minute away from the final. The players deserved a different ending. This is a bitter defeat. This is something that hurts. But we have to be proud of what we achieved," said Italy coach Andrea Soncin. He briefly replayed the scene that led to the penalty after the match: "They were holding each other. Was it a penalty? I don't know."

Elena Linari refused to accept the penalty call. © APA/afp / MIGUEL MEDINA

Sofia Cantore, who had provided a strong assist for Barbara Bonansea's 1-0 goal in the 33rd minute, also questioned referee Ivana Martincic's call. "When you get a penalty like that in the last minute, it obviously hurts even more," said the 25-year-old attacker.

She was satisfied with the Azzurre's overall performance: "I don't want to say we dominated the game, because that's probably not the case, but we did a good job of keeping them in check," Cantore said. Teammate Manuela Giugliano was more vocal: "In my opinion, England didn't deserve to win," said the 27-year-old from AS Roma. "We gave it our all, and I don't think we have any regrets."