Italy player ratings vs Spain: Giuliani and Oliviero impress in defeat to Spain
Italy impressed against the world champions Spain despite losing the final Group B match at the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 3-1, and thanks to Belgium beating Portugal in the other game, the Azzurre booked their place in a European quarter-final for the first time since 2013.
Despite taking the lead in the 10th minute from an Elisabetta Oliviero strike, Spain's quality was too much to handle as four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo grabbed an equaliser that spurred La Roja on. Further goals from Patricia Guijarro and Esther Gonzalez sealed three wins out of three for Spain, and ended Italy's hopes of winning the group.
With a spot in the quarter-final confirmed, Italy now face an underperforming Norway side in a highly anticipated clash - due to take place in Geneva on Wednesday, July 16 at 21:00 CEST.
Italy player ratings vs Spain at Women’s EURO 2025
Giuliani 7.5; Oliviero 7.5, Lenzini 5.5, Salvai 6 (76' Piga N/R), Linari 7, Boattin 7; Caruso 6.5, Giugliano 7 (76' Severini N/R); Cantore 6.5 (85' Cambiaghi N/R), Piemonte 5.5 (58' Girelli 5.5), Bonansea 4.5 (76' Serturini 6.5)
Italy Player of the Match – Laura Giuliani
It was clear from the off that Laura Giuliani would have her work cut out for her against Spain. Her performance was to be incredibly crucial for Italy's chances of progressing into the quarter-finals, and she really did step up.
While playing against a team housing some of the best players in the world, Giuliani remained strong in shot-stopping, in the air, and when under repeated pressure. Towards the latter stages of the game, she appeared to have sustained an injury, and Francesca Durante warmed up in preparation to finish the match. A substitution wasn't made, however, as Giuliani seemed too valuable to replace.
With the attacking threat of Spain, this could have easily been a high-scoring, chastening defeat for the Italians. A lot of the praise for this respectable scoreline goes to Giuliani, which is fitting as it was her 100th senior appearance for her country.
A special mention has to go to Elisabetta Oliviero, who not only scored her first goal for Italy, but put up an incredible performance against some of the best attackers in the world. She's proved to be an exciting player for Andrea Soncin's side in the last few months and will be a contender to start against Norway.