Despite being knocked out in the semi-finals at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Italy return home proud of what they have achieved.
- Italy exited the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 following a narrow semi-final defeat to England
- The Azzurre rediscovering their spark bodes well for future international tournaments
- The team now turn their attention to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027
The Italian women’s national team were knocked out of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland after a semi-final defeat in extra time to England. Barbara Bonansea’s strike in the 33rd minute, along with head coach Andrea Soncin’s resolute and miserly defence, had the Azzurre close to their dream of reaching the final.
However, England kept plugging away and were finally able to breach the Italian defence in the dying embers of normal time, when Michelle Agyemang got herself on the scoresheet to equalise. The match looked destined to be decided by penalties, only for Sarina Wiegman’s side to earn a spot kick in the 119th minute. Though Chloe Kelly missed her initial penalty, she reacted quicker than anyone else and converted the rebound, sending England into the final.
The fact that the Italian players broke down in tears at the final whistle is a testament to the desire Soncin’s players showed on the pitch, both in Geneva and throughout the entire tournament. But it was not just grit and determination that carried them to the semi-final. The coach assembled a solid and balanced squad, sparked enthusiasm and reignited the passion of both the players and the Italian supporters.
They put in a string of excellent performances throughout the tournament, overcoming Belgium in their opening group match and narrowly missing out on a win over Portugal. Despite losing to heavyweights Spain in their final Group B match, Italy continued to show growth, building on their strong group stage performances in their subsequent matches against Norway and England. First came their 2-1 victory over the Scandinavians, courtesy of a superb brace from Cristiana Girelli, followed by a gritty performance in the semi-final against England. The players are bitterly disappointed that they were not able to see the game out and get over the line, but the pride and confidence with which Soncin’s side will return home puts them in excellent shape as they turn their focus to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™.
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“The foundations have been laid for continued growth,” said Soncin following the semi-final. “Having the tie turned on its head and missing out on the final by conceding in the last minute of the match will spur us on to keep improving and take our game to the next level. Our focus is now fully on the World Cup in Brazil.
“If I had to sum up how we’re feeling right now in one word, it would be pride. The girls should be incredibly proud of how far they’ve come and what they’ve achieved. The fact that we went toe-to-toe and held our own against the reigning champions speaks volumes and gives us plenty of confidence heading into future tournaments.”
Captain and No10 Girelli, who shone throughout the tournament, also sounded upbeat in her post-match interviews. “We came here with the aim of reigniting the fire and passion that’s eluded us over the past few years,” she said. “Obviously, we’re bitterly disappointed with the outcome because we were just minutes away from achieving something historic for our country. But at the same time, I’m incredibly proud of my team-mates.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, and that’s what we live for. Despite bowing out of the competition to a penalty in the 120th minute, we’re still incredibly proud of how we played and what we’ve achieved throughout the tournament, and no one can take that away from us.”
With a little less than two years until the start of Brazil 2027, Italy will have ample time to prepare and show why they are ready to take the next step.
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