Eva Schatzer is competing with Italy at the European Championships. © Instagram/azzurre.fanpage

Schatzer's European Championship fairytale begins on Thursday

On Thursday (18 p.m.), Italy kicks off its Women's European Football Championship. South Tyrol's talented Eva Schatzer will also be participating, appearing on this major international stage for the first time.

July 02, 2025

From: do

Eva Schatzer is just 20 years old – and yet is already one of Italy's best female footballers. The midfielder from Vahrn has fully earned a spot in her hometown club Juventus' squad for the Women's European Championship in Switzerland. She is the youngest player in the Azzurre squad and, after Katja Schroffenegger (2013 and 2017), only the second South Tyrolean to compete in a European Championship.

Italy may not be among the favorites for this tournament—other teams, such as group rivals Spain, the reigning world champions, as well as Germany, France, and England, have that status. However, the Azzurre could certainly spring a surprise or two. Their minimum goal is to reach the quarterfinals. To achieve this, however, they must first survive the group stage against Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.

Schatzer in training. © Instagram/Eva Schatzer

Schatzer will have to hope for playing time in Italy's well-staffed defensive midfield. Her competitors in this position are all strong and experienced players – such as Manuela Giugliano (AS Roma), who made it into the world's top 30 players in the Ballon d'Or rankings, Arianna Caruso (Bayern Munich), Julie Piga (Milan), Giada Greggi (Roma), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), and Eleonora Goldoni (Lazio).

Whether—and how much—playtime the South Tyrolean football gem will actually get will become clear over the course of the tournament. She'll definitely get a taste of the European Championship on Thursday at 18 p.m., when Italy plays its first group match against Belgium. The only question that remains is: from the bench or directly on the pitch?