UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Get to know Italy’s Group B opponents
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is - finally -here, and the Italy Women's National Team are all set to kick things off in a competitive Group B.
On paper, the task ahead for the Azzurre appears manageable. They come into the group as the second-highest ranked team, behind reigning World Cup champions and tournament favourites Spain. But Group B is anything but straightforward.
Joining Italy and Spain are Belgium and Portugal - two sides that, while often overlooked, have a reputation for being unpredictable and capable of springing surprises. Though both are tipped for early exits, their recent performances and key players suggest they could shake things up this summer. It’s this unpredictability that has led many to rename Group B to “Group Bonkers.”
With Italy set to kick off their redemption campaign on Thursday, 3 July, let’s take a closer look at their Group B opponents.
MD1: Belgium
3 July, 2025 | 18:00 CEST
Stade Tourbillon, Sion
Ranked 20th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, Belgium remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the tournament. This year alone, they suffered a heavy 5–0 defeat to reigning European champions England - only to beat the same side 3–2 just four days later. The Red Flames also pushed reigning World champions Spain to the brink, narrowly falling 3–2.
Although results vary, Belgium are a side that concede a fair number of goals, having let in 21 across eight games. It’s a statistic that will catch the attention of the Azzurre, given the strength and promise of their forward line. And, with Italy's defensive concerns, scoring goals becomes all the more important if the Azzurre are to get out of the group.
Belgium have also scored 11 during this period, with Inter’s Tessa Wullaert playing a key role in their attacking output. The Red Flames captain is the standout threat in this team, but she isn’t the only familiar face to the Azzurre. Elena Dhont, Kassandra Missipo, and Davina Philtjens have all been important for Sassuolo this season, while Marie Detruyer's first year at Inter has been impressive.
Outside of Serie A, Women’s Super League trio Justine Vanhavermaet, Amber Tysiak, and Janice Cayman bring an extra layer of quality and reliability to Belgium, each a key player for their respective clubs.
While Belgium have a squad housing a handful of talented individuals, they are not being tipped to progress to the knockout rounds given the quality of Italy and Spain on paper. Yet, with their unpredictable form and players capable of causing an upset, the Azzurre cannot afford to be complacent against the Red Flames.
MD2: Portugal
7 July, 2025 | 21:00 CEST
Stade de Geneve, Geneva
Ranked two places below Belgium in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, Portugal are a team on the up in the last few years. Since securing their place at their first major tournament at UEFA Women’s EURO 2017, As Navegadoras have missed only one major competition, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With long-term coach Francisco Neto at the helm and a collection of world-class players in the squad, Portugal may well be aiming for a knockout stage finish.
When you think of Portugal, it's hard to look past one particular player when it comes to dangerous attacking play: Kika Nazareth. She is most exciting Portuguese prospect in recent memory, and she made history by breaking the domestic transfer record with her move from Benfica to Barcelona for €500,000. Despite fears she would miss the tournament after damaging a ligament in her left ankle in March, Kika was named in Neto's final squad, allowing As Navegadoras to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Jessica Silva and Diana Silva also pose a dangerous attacking threat, and will definitely cause the Azzurre issues on Matchday 2.
Portugal will participate in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, coming off a recent win against Belgium in February, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory. However, their subsequent matches against formidable opponents, including two encounters with Spain, as well as matches against England and Belgium, have resulted in heavy losses with scores of 4-2, 7-1, 6-0, and 3-0.
These results might provide a glimmer of hope for a very exciting Italy frontline - but, tournament football can be highly unpredictable and surprises are always possible when the competition kicks off.
MD3: Spain
11 July, 2025 | 21:00 CEST
Wankdorf Stadium, Bern
The Azzurre close off the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 group stages against the highest-ranked nation in Europe and World Cup holders Spain - a side that needs no introduction.
With countless world-class players coming from one of the best domestic teams in recent memory, Barcelona, the current World champions are a force to be reckoned with. La Roja boasts the two most recent Ballon d’Or winners, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, each with two of the prestigious award to their name.
Spain also boast an impressive roster of young talent, with promising players like Vicky Lopez, Salma Paralluelo, and Claudia Pina making significant strides on the international and domestic stage. These rising stars bring a dynamic edge to La Roja’s lineup, combining technical skill, pace, and creativity that complement the experienced core of the team.
Undoubtedly the favourites not only to top the group but to win the tournament, Spain have won their last five games, their most recent defeat coming against England in February. Despite fielding the most talented squad in the competition, Spain have struggled against Italy in recent meetings.
In their last seven encounters, Spain have won just once, while the Azzurre have claimed four victories and two draws. Italy will be well aware of La Roja’s strength but can draw confidence from these encouraging statistics.