Italy player ratings vs Norway: Girelli steals the show

Euan Burns /

Cristiana Girelli was the hero as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025, the furthest the Azzurre have gone since 1997.

The Italian striker gave Italy the lead in the early stages of the second half when she poked in a cross/shot from Sofia Cantore, but Ada Hegerberg pounced on an error from Laura Giuliani and equalised soon after she had missed a penalty.

The quarter-final seemed destined for extra-time, but Girelli popped up with one of her trademark headers in the 90th minute, courtesy of a Cantore cross, and sent Andrea Soncin's side into the semi-final where England or Sweden will be waiting. The Azzurre will learn their opponent on Thursday night.

Azzurre Girelli
The Italy Women's National Team celebrates Cristiana Girelli's goal against Norway at EURO 2025. [@AzzurreFIGC]

Italy player ratings vs Norway at Women’s EURO 2025

Giuliani 5; Di Guglielmo 6, Salvai 6.5, Linari 5.5; Oliviero 7, Caruso 6.5, Giugliano 6, Severini 6 (77' Greggi 6), Bonansea 5.5 (77' Cambiaghi 5.5); Cantore 7 (92' Lenzini N/R), Girelli 7.5 (92' Piemonte N/R).

Italy Player of the Match – Cristiana Girelli

Azzurre Girelli
Italy Women's National Team striker Cristiana Girelli celebrates scoring against Norway at Women's EURO 2025. [@AzzurreFIGC]

There are certain scenarios in football where a performance over the full 90 minutes become somewhat irrelevant. Cristiana Girelli coming up with two goals at the age of 35 in a major tournament quarter-final means that she has to be Italy's player of the match.

The Juventus striker has come off the back of a superb domestic season and despite failing to make an impact against Belgium, she came up with a stunning goal against Portugal and is now the hero of the quarter-final against Norway. Her movement in the box is almost unrivalled, and that is why she was able to head in the winning goal in Geneva.