Italy's UEFA Women's EURO 2025 journey ends with extra-time defeat against England
Italy's excellent run at the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 in Switzerland came to an end at the semi-final stage thanks to a dramatic 2-1 defeat against England, with Chloe Kelly scoring the winner in the 119th minute.
The Azzurre had taken the lead in the first half of the match thanks to Barbara Bonansea's goal, and made it all the way until the 96th minute when Michelle Agyemang scored to make it 1-1. Extra-time passed largely without incident, until a foul from Severini allowed Chloe Kelly to score from a penalty in the 119th minute.
The Azzurre made a largely sloppy start to the game in Geneva, with many players misplacing simple passes and failing to build any meaningful attacks. England were doing exactly the same, though, meaning the match was there for the taking if anybody wanted it.
As the half wore on, it became clear that Italy did want it more than England. They started winning the second balls more often than not, and eventually fashioned the opening goal. Some great work from Sofia Cantore down the right saw her get the ball into the box, where Bonansea was waiting to produce a very smart touch and finish into the roof of England's net.
Italy can't get over the line
Soncin's side ended the first half very strongly, but largely regressed in the second half as England started to apply more and more pressure. Laura Giuliani become more important in goal, whilst the back three soon started to resemble a back five with Elisabetta Oliviero and Lucia Di Guglielmo tucking in to help the centre-backs.
The final 10 minutes began with Di Guglielmo heading a certain goal off of the line, just after Italy had an extremely promising breakaway which should have ended with a clearer shot on goal. In the 86th minute, an Italy corner resulted in Hannah Hampton producing a fine double-save from Michela Cambiaghi and Emma Severini, when a goal seemed a complete certainty.
With seven minutes of added time, Italy made it into the 96th before the pressure finally became too much. A cross was met by Giuliani and not dealt with properly, so it fell kindly for Michelle Agyemang who fired it into the back of the net with impressive composure. That goal forced extra-time in Switzerland.
In the final five minutes of extra-time, Agyemang almost got a stunning winner as she attempted to lob Giuliani and saw her effort hit the bar. Just a moment later, though, England were given a penalty. Emma Severini was adjudged to have pulled Beth Mead down, and even though Giuliani saved Chloe Kelly's penalty, the follow-up found the back of the net and England had the winner.
England will face either Spain or Germany in Sunday's EURO 2025 final.