Late goal sends Italy into UEFA Women’s EURO ’25 semifinal

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Quarter-Final: Italy stuns late

Norway 1 – 2 Italy
Scorers:
Hegerberg (66’) | Girelli (50’, 90’)

Match Stats:

Italy Seals Semifinal Spot with Last-Minute Winner

Italy became the first team to book their place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semifinals after a dramatic 90th-minute winner sealed a 2–1 victory over Norway. Despite a missed penalty and a second-half rally from the Norwegians, the Azzurre’s attacking quality — especially down the flanks — proved too much to handle. Norway’s search for tournament success continues, as questions remain about their lack of cutting edge in knockout play.

Fast Start from the Azzurre

Italy once again dictated the tempo early, nearly scoring in the 8th minute when Giugliano intercepted a poor pass in midfield. She released Caruso, who sliced through Norway’s defense but sent her shot just wide. Caruso was again at the heart of the action in the 20th minute, setting up Severini in the box, but Fiskerstrand made a routine save to keep things level.

Gaupset Nearly Stuns with Long-Range Strike

While Italy were dominating possession, Norway nearly stole the show late in the first half. Twenty-year-old Gaupset, already with two goals and two assists in the tournament, unleashed a 40-yard lob after a blistering run down the right. The audacious effort beat Giuliani but curled just wide. Had it gone in, it would’ve gone down as one of the most iconic goals in Euro history.

Girelli Strikes First

Italy broke through in the 50th minute after exploiting space left by Reiten, who was playing out of position at left back. Caruso slipped a pass into Cantore, who drove a low shot across goal. Girelli made a perfectly timed run to tap in from close range and give Italy the lead.

Hegerberg Misses — Then Redeems Herself

Just eight minutes later, Norway earned a controversial penalty after Linari was whistled for pulling Hegerberg in the box — despite the striker appearing to be offside. Hegerberg missed the spot kick, dragging her shot wide of the right post. But she responded quickly, capitalizing on hesitation from Giuliani to poke a long ball underneath the keeper for the equalizer in the 66th minute.

Girelli’s Late Winner Breaks Norway Hearts

With extra time looming, Italy found one final moment of brilliance. Cantore carried the ball down the left wing and floated a cross to the back post, where Norway’s defense failed to track two late runners. Girelli rose unmarked and powered a header off the crossbar and in — her second goal of the night and a ticket to the semifinals for the Italians.

Final Whistle: Italy Celebrates, Norway Regroups

Italy celebrated their first semifinal appearance since 1997 in euphoric fashion, mobbing Girelli at the final whistle. For Norway, it’s another painful exit. Despite a talented squad, they’ve now won just one knockout match in their last six major tournament appearances. Defensive lapses and lack of attacking creativity will likely dominate the postmortem.

Next Fixture – Semifinals

Italy vs England or Sweden