Italy`s Cristiana Girelli celebrates after scoring against Norway during the Women`s Euro 2025 quarterfinals.
As we cast our gaze back to the summer of 2025, a particular evening in Geneva stands out as a watershed moment for Italian women`s football. It was a night that etched itself into the annals of history, not merely for the outcome, but for the sheer resilience and strategic brilliance displayed by the `Azzurre`. For the first time since 1997, when they famously reached the final before succumbing to a formidable Germany, the Italian women’s national team secured a coveted semifinal berth at the European Championship. This was a triumph that saw Coach Andrea Soncin on his knees, a testament to the wild, joyous celebration that followed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway.
The Tactical Gambit: Italy`s Early Pressure
From the opening whistle, Coach Soncin’s `Azzurre` exhibited a formidable aggression that immediately put Norway on the back foot. This was not the timid Italian side of recent memory; this was a squad playing with a newfound belief and an almost insatiable hunger. Despite Norway’s respectable pre-match credentials, arriving from a perfect group stage with a couple of comeback victories under their belt, they found themselves uncharacteristically subdued. The tireless work of players like Oliviero and Bonansea ensured that Norway, particularly their star striker Ada Hegerberg, struggled to find their rhythm.
The first half was a narrative dominated by Italy. Early opportunities arose, with Caruso testing the Norwegian defense after just eight minutes. Subsequent attempts from Girelli, Severini, and Bonansea (whose shot narrowly missed the post) underscored Italy`s intent. While Bonansea`s unfortunate miscue offered Hegerberg a golden chance that she uncharacteristically squandered, and Gaupset also had a late effort, the half concluded goalless. Yet, the vibrancy of the contest was undeniable, hinting at the drama to unfold.
A Phenomenal Second Act: Goals, Drama, and Redemption
The second half ignited with the very spark Italy had sought. Inspired by the relentless drive of Sofia Cantore, who tirelessly worked the flank, Cristiana Girelli found the decisive touch inside the penalty area to put Italy ahead. Girelli then had an opportunity to double the lead, a miss that seemed significant as Norway began to gain ground, pressing harder. Italy, having expended considerable energy, found themselves increasingly on the defensive, with Salvai making crucial interventions in her own area.
Then came a moment of judicial perplexity from referee Frappart, who awarded Norway a penalty in the 58th minute from an action clearly marred by an offside call. Fortune, however, favored the `Azzurre` (donning their green kit that evening) as Hegerberg, under immense pressure, sent her spot-kick wide – a collective sigh of relief, audible even across national borders. Goalkeeper Giuliani had guessed the right direction, but her subsequent, albeit brief, lapse in concentration moments later proved costly. A mistimed charge from her goal allowed Hegerberg a clear sight of goal, and this time, she made no mistake. The score was leveled at 1-1 in the 66th minute, forcing Italy into a precarious position: avoid further risks to secure extra time, yet retain the audacity to push for a winner.
Coach Soncin responded with tactical substitutions, introducing Cambiaghi for the exhausted Bonansea and Greggi for Severini. Despite Norway maintaining more possession, Italy’s resolve remained remarkably lucid. As the clock mercilessly ticked towards the ninety-minute mark, fate, or perhaps sheer Italian grit, intervened once more. In the final minute of regular time, Cristiana Girelli, once again perfectly found by Cantore, met a cross with a powerful header, finding the back of the net. A true striker’s instinct, or perhaps just impeccable timing, decided the quarterfinal.
The Spirit of No-Limits: A Legacy Forged
The ensuing moments were a blur of jubilant chaos. Coach Soncin, overcome with emotion, dropped to his knees, while the `Azzurre` formed a wildly ecstatic huddle on the pitch. The Geneva crowd, clearly invested in Italy’s journey, had provided the crucial impetus in the match`s most challenging phases. This victory marked the culmination of a twelve-year odyssey for the Italian women`s team, a period punctuated by fleeting glimpses of success on the world stage and, regrettably, two dark chapters in European competition.
It is, perhaps, too early to draw direct parallels with the golden age of the nineties. However, what is certain is that the immense talent of Cristiana Girelli and her teammates had achieved the maximum target they had set for themselves. What lies beyond, in the realm of dreams and against the traditional European superpowers, is yet to be seen. But as Coach Soncin consistently asserted, this is an Italy with “no-limits.” This team, once seemingly “underground” just a couple of years prior, had not only executed a monumental feat but had also rekindled a passionate energy in the eyes of everyone who watched them play.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham