Azzurre unable to find way past Netherlands as late red card dents Euro 2025 qualification bid

The Italy Women's National Team face a tough test in their efforts to secure automatic qualification for the 2025 European Championship after being held to a goalless draw by the Netherlands at the Fortuna Sittard Stadium.

The Azzurre enjoyed the better of the first half, with AS Roma striker Valentina Giacinti forcing a save from Lize Kop, whilst Barbara Bonansea had a header cleared off the line by Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema.

However, the hosts stepped up their performance after the break and put Italy under pressure with attacking intent. Goalkeeper Laura Giulani was on hand with an excellent save to deny Sherida Spitse, whilst the AC Milan shot-stopper kept Miedema out twice to keep Italy in it.

Bonfantini sees red

Italian hopes were dashed late on as Agnese Bonfantini was shown a red card deep into stoppage time, just minutes after being booked for a poor tackle, and the visitors were left clinging on for a point in the final minutes.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match ended in a third successive draw that leaves the Azzurre in third place in League A Group 1 with just one game remaining.

Level on points with Norway and two behind the Dutch, Italy now face a crunch encounter against a Finland side that remain just one point behind them.