- England aim for a third straight major final, facing underdog Italy in Geneva.
- Italy reach their first Women’s Euro semi-final since 1997.
- Both teams wear away kits in a high-stakes showdown with history on the line.
England’s path to the Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final has been anything but smooth, with a dramatic quarter-final comeback against Sweden showcasing their trademark resilience.
Italy’s campaign has captured the imagination of fans, defying expectations to reach their first semi-final in 28 years. A last-minute strike from veteran forward Cristiana Girelli knocked out Norway and underlined their growing confidence.
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England’s ability to adapt mid-game has been a defining feature of their tournament. Manager Sarina Wiegman has utilized her bench with precision, often changing the rhythm of matches in the latter stages. Against Sweden, tactical switches and fresh legs made the difference, and this versatility could prove crucial again when facing an unpredictable Italian side.
Italy’s strength lies in their compact midfield and efficient counterattacks. Midfield orchestrator Manuela Giugliano controls tempo, while captain Girelli continues to deliver in high-pressure moments. Their group stage performances, which included navigating past Spain and Belgium, highlight their strategic discipline and emerging team identity under coach Andrea Soncin.
One talking point ahead of the semi-final has been the unexpected kit choices. England will wear their navy away strip, and Italy will don their now-iconic green ensemble. Though fans lament the absence of traditional colours, both kits have symbolic momentum, especially Italy’s, which they wore in their memorable win over Norway.
The winner of this semi-final will face either Spain or Germany in Basel, setting up a potentially classic finale. For England, it’s a chance to defend their title and assert continental dominance. For Italy, it’s the pursuit of an unlikely but magical finish—one that would mark a turning point in their women’s football history.
Whether it’s experience or inspiration that triumphs, England vs Italy promises a semi-final brimming with drama, heart, and history in the making.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain
