Euro 2025 daily newsletter: Day sixteen
Italy through to semi-finals, England and Sweden face off tonight
Last night was a huge moment for Italian women’s football, as Italy made their first Euro semi-final since 1997.
There were emotional celebrations at full-time in Geneva after the Le Azzure pulled off a dramatic 2-1 win over Norway.
Today, the quarter-finals continue with Sweden facing England in Zurich.
Results
Norway 1 Italy 2
Just when it seemed we were heading for the tournament’s first period of extra time, with the score tied at 1–1, Italy finished it off. It was yet another late show in this tournament, as Cristiana Girelli delivered a 90th-minute winner – her second goal of the match. The match ended 2-1, with Norway undone by the same passive defending that has haunted them all tournament, leaving Italy with many clear chances on goal.
After missing a penalty in their first game against Switzerland, Ada Hegerberg missed another penalty when she shot wide to the right side of the goal. She redeemed herself by scoring an equaliser shortly after, but Norway could not find a second. Their wait to win four games in a row at a Euros continues.
Italy, on the other hand, are flying – and they’re just one win away from a first Euros final in over 30 years. They will play the winner of England vs Sweden, tonight’s exciting matchup.
What’s on today
England vs Sweden
Once again, there is no room for error in the knockout stage. England will be hoping to continue their form from the last two games, despite an opening loss to France, while Sweden are unbeaten, having topped Group C with three impressive performances.
The main matchup to watch out for will be Sweden’s strikers against England’s defence – particularly down the right wing. It will also be interesting to watch the dynamic between Arsenal club teammates, namely Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius and England’s Leah Williamson.
It is a rematch of the Euro 2022 semi-final, where England decisively won 4-0. Swedish manager Peter Gerhardsson stated that “both teams are better” two years later, so it is anticipated to be a more close-fought and tense match to decide Italy’s semi-final opponent.
News
Girelli is now the second-highest goal scorer for Italy at a major tournament, second to Carolina Morace.
England’s Jess Park did not train with the rest of the Lionesses yesterday, due to a migraine.
France’s Griedge Mbock and Maëlle Lakrar have both been cleared to play and may start against Germany in their quarter-final on Saturday.
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