Photo: Francesco Farina/SPP
Geneva, Switzerland — Signage for Euro 2025 is proudly and prominently displayed throughout major Swiss city centers. The tournament’s theme ‘the summit of emotions’ is a nod to both the county’s stunning geography and the passionate football the country plays host to this month.
Few performances typified the tournament slogan as much as Italy’s 2-1 victory over Norway. Cristiana Girelli’s dramatic 90th minute go-ahead goal grants Le Azzurre a Euro semifinal berth for the first time in 28 years.
A total of 26,276 fans packed the Stade de Genève; a record attendance number for a Euro quarterfinal match that did not feature the host nation. The 9 p.m. local time kick-off on a Wednesday night was clearly no deterrent to the substantial crowd.
The crowd appeared to model a cross section of tournament spectators — football fans of all ages and genders, families, a smattering of fans decked in Swiss shirts and scarves and a smaller, but mighty, contingency of Norway supporters. However, the stadium primarily belonged to Italian supporters, as the drive from Geneva to the nearest Italian town clocks in in under two hours.
Italy proved to be the punchier, more organized, and dangerous side. The momentum of the match ebbed and flowed, with Italy on the front foot and Norway seemingly satisfied with rebutting on the counterattack. The first half saw Italy create the more threatening chances, but the goal eluded them.
That all changed five minutes into the second half as incoming Washington Spirit winger Sofia Cantore flashed a ball across the box and was neatly finished off by Girelli. The breakthrough sent the partisan Italian crowd into a state of euphoria. It all seemed to be done and dusted with a second Italy goal minutes after Norway failed to clear their lines, however, it was chalked off by VAR.
The goal and real prospect of elimination suddenly prompted Norway to roar into life. An exceptional vertical pass via Maren Mjelde into Ada Hederbeg’s path resulted in a 66th minute goal. Norway had the chance to double their lead and grasp control of the match with a penalty call against Italy. However, Hederberg sent both her attempted penalty kick and Norway’s hopes of advancing wide and out of sight.
Italy were not content to wait it out for extra time. The momentum swung back towards Italy’s direction, as they were consistently buoyed by passionate chants of “Italia! Italia!”. Cantore swung in a delicious cross at the stroke of full time, and Girelli headed it past goalkeeper Cecili Fiskerstrand. The players dashed to fête with their fans, and were joined by sprinting members of the coaching staff. They held on through stoppage time to secure their famous victory. The passion was palpable, as players dropped to their knees in tears of joy and relief.
While Italy advances, Norway’s defeat is a déjà vu of disappointment. It marks the third consecutive tournament the two-time Euro champions have failed to reach the semifinals. A side so decorated in individual talent never equaled the sum of its parts.
To contrast, Italy had a clear game plan and executed it with cohesion and camaraderie. It appeared as if Italy, as led by 35-year-old Girelli, played for a deeper purpose.
“We are doing this for our glory but the meaning is much deeper and we want to bring this meaning to Italy,” Girelli reflected post-match. “In Italy we can play football and also women and girls can play football.”
Italy now awaits the winner of Sweden versus England and will return to the familiar confines of the Stade de Genève on July 22, where they will aim to reach their first ever major tournament final.
The emotions may subside, but they are one step closer to their summit.
