Geneva, Switzerland– Cristiana Girelli emerged as Italy’s hero on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, scoring a decisive brace, including a dramatic last-gasp winner, to propel the Azzurre into the semifinals of Women’s Euro 2025. Italy secured a historic 2-1 triumph over Norway in Geneva, marking their first appearance in a European Championship last four since 1997.
Girelli’s Heroics and Italy’s Breakthrough
The 35-year-old Juventus forward, Cristiana Girelli, opened Italy’s account five minutes after halftime, prodding home Sofia Cantore’s mishit shot. While Norway, despite having stars like Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, fought back, it was Girelli who had the final say. In the dying moments of the match, she perfectly guided home another searching cross from Cantore with a header, sealing Italy’s 2-1 victory and sending them through to face either holders England or Sweden in the semifinals next Tuesday.
This monumental double takes Girelli’s international goal tally to 61, with Wednesday’s strikes undoubtedly ranking among the most important of her career. Italy’s progression is a significant achievement, overcoming a Norwegian side that, despite being pioneers of modern women’s football and past winners of the World Cup, European Championship, and Olympics, has struggled to reach the semifinals of a major tournament since the 2013 Euros.
Battle of Chances and Hegerberg’s Response
The match was a vibrant affair, with Italy dominating large segments and creating numerous opportunities, echoing their pattern from Group B qualification. Early in the game, Arianna Caruso and Emma Severini squandered golden chances to put Italy ahead.
Norway’s Ada Hegerberg then almost made Italy pay for their profligacy in the 37th minute. After Girelli’s opening goal, Norway seemed to awaken. Hegerberg, who also missed a penalty earlier, made amends six minutes later, pouncing on hesitant goalkeeping from Laura Giuliani to poke home the equalizer in the 66th minute. Both teams traded blows from that point, and extra time seemed inevitable until Girelli’s decisive late header.
Italy will now prepare for a tough challenge against one of the tournament favorites in the semifinal, confident after seeing off a talented Norwegian side.
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