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Euro 2025: Cristiana Girelli billiance seals semi-final spot for Italy

Italy became the first to secure their place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals after beating Norway 2-1. A brace from Cristiana Girelli ensured her side’s ticket to the final four.

Italy put up a brilliant force against Group A winners Norway. They showed strength both defensively and even more so in attack as they dominated much of the first half. Italy created several chances early on, with Caruso driving into the box after Norway gave the ball away, but her shot drifted just wide of the post.

It was another close call in the first half as Barbara Bonansea whipped in a dangerous cross to the near post, which looked certain to cause problems for Norway. However, miscommunication between Emma Severini and Cristiana Girelli saw both players go for the same ball, resulting in a big missed opportunity for Italy.

Italy dominated both possession and performance throughout the first half. Norway only really started to settle and shake off their nerves in the final moments before the break. Just as it seemed Norway were beginning to find some momentum, the whistle blew to end the first 45 minutes.

Italy regain control after Norway fight back

The second half started with urgency and, this time, brought a well-deserved reward for Italy. A brilliant ball played through by Sofia Cantore was met from close range by Italian captain Girelli. She slotted it into the back of the net to give her side the lead in the early minutes of the second half. The goal not only broke the deadlock but also marked a special milestone for Girelli — the Italian’s 60th international goal.

Just moments after the opening goal, a scramble in the box saw Italy find the back of the net again. Luckily for Norway, it was ruled out for offside, with Caruso caught out in the build-up. That seemed to serve as a wake-up call for the Norwegians, who began to grow back into the game with renewed energy, pushing forward on the counterattack.

A clumsy foul from Elena Linari on Ada Hegerberg handed Norway a golden opportunity from the penalty spot. Both Hegerberg and Giuliani looked tense, but it was Hegerberg who let the nerves get the better of her, sending her shot wide, her second missed penalty of the tournament. A huge let-off for Italy, and a big chance squandered by Norway.

But the tables turned when Laura Giuliani hesitated coming off her line, allowing Hegerberg to pounce and slot the ball home, bringing Norway level in the 66th minute. Both sides were back on level terms, with the game wide open once again and both teams coming close to what could have been late winners.

As the final whistle approached, thoughts began to turn to extra time. But once again, it was Girelli who stepped up to become Italy’s hero, scoring a stunning header off the crossbar to lift Italian hopes and secure their place as the first semi-finalists of this year’s Euros. Italy are through to their first Euros semi-final since 1997.