Women’s European Championship in Switzerland
Thanks to last minute goal: Italy is the first semi-finalist
Updated on July 16, 2025 – 11:12 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
It looked like an extension in Geneva, when Italy’s captain shocked the favorite Norwegians. Now Sweden or England is waiting.
The first semi-finalist at the European Women’s European Championship in Switzerland has been determined. In Geneva, Italy prevailed 2-1 against Norway and is among the best four Europe.
Captain Christina Girelli (50th) took care of the leadership of the Italians shortly after the break. Norway’s captain Ada Hederberg (66.) did the equalization after she had previously set a foul penalty next to the goal (60th). The last word, however, had Girelli again, who made the decision in the 90th minute.
Norway was marched through the group phase with three victories, but in Geneva suddenly Italy stated the tone. More speed, more ideas, more aggressiveness – Andrea Soncin’s team had really good opportunities through Arianna Caruso (8th) from FC Bayern and Emma Severini (22nd).
Norway seemed unusually inhibited and sluggish for a long time in front of 26,276 spectators, as captain Hegerberg then missed the chance of leading the lead (37th).
When Girelli completed a flat cross to 1-0 after the change of sides, the Norwegians invested a little more. But Hegerberg – pulled from Elena Linari to the ground – already missed her second penalty in the tournament. In the preliminary round, she aimed against Switzerland, this time past right. Significant scenes, after all, it was rumbling around the idol at home.
As in the first group game, Hegerberg still struck six minutes after her mishap, in which she spanked the ball past goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. But then Girelli appeared freely on the second post after a cross from the left side and headed Italy into the semi -finals from a short distance.
Despite the flawless group phase, Hegerberg was already heavily criticized before the game, experts and media even demanded that the 30 -year -old to take out the starting eleven – but trainer Gemma Grainger gave the center forward of Olympique Lyon again.
After the tournament off, the debate is likely to tighten, but Hegerberg also disappointed her colleagues. Italy just wanted the victory more – and the very strong Girelli stood ice cold at the crucial moment.
After a determined performance, Italy is back in an EM semi-final for the first time in 28 years. Who you will meet next Tuesday will be determined in the game between Sweden and England (Thursday, 9 p.m. in the T-Online Livetecker).