Italy’s women’s national football team carved their names into the history books on a magical night in Geneva, toppling Norway 2-1 to reach their first European Championship semifinal since 1997. At the heart of it all was the indomitable Cristiana Girelli, whose clinical finishing and veteran leadership proved decisive in a pulsating UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinal.
A Night to Remember: Girelli’s Double Stuns Norway
With a place in the semifinals on the line, both teams came out fighting, but Italy looked the more disciplined side from the outset. The match remained deadlocked at halftime, tensions mounting in the Swiss air. Early in the second half, Girelli announced herself with a well-placed tap-in, converting after a slick Italian build-up and giving the Azzurre faithful hope that this night could finally break decades of disappointment.
Norway, rich in pedigree and boasting stars like Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, struck back. Hegerberg atoned for an earlier missed penalty by finishing coolly in the 66th minute, squaring the tie and setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
As minutes ticked away and extra time loomed, Girelli seized her moment. Rising highest to meet Sofia Cantore’s pinpoint cross, she powered home a thumping header in the 90th minute, sending the Italian bench and their raucous fans into wild celebration. It was a finish worthy of the moment—a quarter century of heartbreak replaced with elation in a single, unforgettable strike.
How Italy Sealed Their Semifinal Return
Key Moments from the Match
First Half: Gritty, tense, and goalless—Italy’s shape and defensive cohesion were clear.
50th Minute: Girelli opens the scoring, latching onto a clever cutback and slipping the ball into the net.
Norwegian Response: Ada Hegerberg misses a penalty but quickly redeems herself with an equalizer.
Final Minute Drama: Sofia Cantore whips in a cross and Girelli delivers the header that sparks jubilation.
The Spirit Behind Italy’s Success
Players and coaching staff alike credited not just tactics and talent, but the team’s unity, humility, and relentless spirit:
“The humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that’s what made this important result and we brought it home,” said midfielder Giada Greggi.
Defender Elena Linari hailed Girelli as an “inspiration,” joking, “Now we’re going to put Girelli in a display case to rest for the semifinal—she deserves it!”
Why This Semifinal Berth Means So Much
This result is about more than just football. It’s about generations of players paving the way and a nation dreaming big. Italy hadn’t reached the last four of a Women’s European Championship since losing the 1997 final to Germany. Girelli’s brace not only made her the oldest woman to score multiple goals in one Euro match, but etched a new chapter for Italian women’s football.
Italian Resilience: What Set This Team Apart
Stalwart Defense: Even against Norway’s star-studded attack, Italy showed tactical discipline.
Veteran Leadership: Girelli, at 35, set the example on and off the pitch.
Tactical Flexibility: Manager Andrea Soncin encouraged players to recall their passion for football and play with heart, and it paid off.
What’s Next for Italy in Women’s Euro 2025?
Italy will face either the reigning champions England or Sweden in the semifinals—a clash that promises to be electric. The Azzurre are brimming with belief, driven by a sense of unity and the dream of going all the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was the star of Italy’s quarterfinal win over Norway?
Cristiana Girelli scored both goals for Italy, including a dramatic 90th-minute header, propelling her side to their first Euro semifinal in 28 years.
2. When was Italy last in a Women’s Euro semifinal?
Italy last reached the Women’s Euro semifinals in 1997, making this 2025 run their first in nearly three decades.
3. How did Norway challenge Italy in the quarterfinal?
Norway equalized through Ada Hegerberg after missing a penalty, but struggled to contain Italy’s late surge and ultimately fell to Girelli’s brilliance.
4. Who will Italy face in the Euro 2025 semifinals?
Italy is set to play the winner of the England vs. Sweden quarterfinal for a spot in the final.
5. Why was Girelli’s performance historic?
At 35 years and 84 days old, Girelli became the oldest woman to score a brace in a European Championship knockout match, and her goals ended Italy’s semifinal drought.
Conclusion
Italy’s gripping victory over Norway, sealed by Cristiana Girelli’s iconic double, has rekindled a nation’s Euro dreams and set the benchmark for resilience, unity, and heart. For fans back home and generations to come, this journey marks much more than a footballing milestone—it’s a story of belief, togetherness, and rewriting history. As the Azzurre prepare for the semifinals, all eyes will be on this determined squad and their inspirational No. 10, who proved that legends are made in moments just like this.
