Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2025.
The Italians took the lead five minutes into the second half through Girelli's close-range finish and they had the ball in the net again three minutes later only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Norway captain Ada Hegerberg then won a penalty but fired her spot kick wide for the second time at the tournament before levelling with a deft finish in the 66th minute to silence the raucous Italian fans in the crowd.
With the game heading for extra time, Girelli ghosted in at the far post to head home her second of the game and send Italy into the last four for the first time since 1997.
Italy will play either England or Sweden in the first semi-final, with the Lionesses back in action tomorrow night. It’s a rematch of England’s Euro 2022 semi-final three years ago and the Lionesses are wary of facing an experienced side with revenge on their minds.
Follow live updates from Norway v Italy in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals below
Norway v Italy LIVE: Women's Euro 2025 updates
- Italy captain Cristiana Girelli stuns Norway to send Italy into semi-finals
- Italy will play either Sweden or England in semi-final on Tuesday
- 89' GOAL! Cristiana Girelli pops up to score in the last minute [ITA 2-1 NOR]
- 67' GOAL! Hegerberg makes amends to equalise for Norway [ITA 1-1 NOR[
- 59' MISSED PENALTY! Hegerberg misses again from the spot [ITA 1-0 NOR]
- 49' GOAL! Girelli gives Italy deserved lead in quarter-final [ITA 1-0 NOR]
Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Women’s Euros for the first time since 1997. Italy started well but were on the ropes after Norway captain Ada Hegerberg cancelled out their opening goal, but Girelli, who had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, was not to be denied and netted the winner to send thousands of blue-clad fans into ecstasy. They will next face either reigning champions England or Sweden, who meet in Zurich on Thursday.
22:40 , Jamie BraidwoodCristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Women’s Euros for the first time since 1997.
Italy started well but were on the ropes after Norway captain Ada Hegerberg cancelled out their opening goal, but Girelli, who had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, was not to be denied and netted the winner to send thousands of blue-clad fans into ecstasy.
They will next face either reigning champions England or Sweden, who meet in Zurich on Thursday.
‘Incredible, beautiful’: Italy reach first Women’s Euros semi-final in 28 years
Italy surpass expectation
22:04 , Callum Rice-CoatesIt’s a first semi-final since 1977 for Italy, who weren’t amongst the favourites before a ball was kicked at Euro 2025. But they’ve excelled so far, and will hope they can go all the way.
Disappointment for Norway
21:56 , Callum Rice-CoatesPlenty was expected of Norway but they flattered to deceive tonight. They might have come out on top after levelling in the second half, but over the course of the 90 minutes it was Italy that created the better chances. Hegerberg and Reiten both look thoroughly disappointed.
Big celebrations
21:54 , Callum Rice-CoatesEmotions are high in the Italy camp. Players fall to their knees on the pitch. Those on the bench are hugging and beaming. Head coach Andrea Soncin looks delighted. They will face England or Sweden in the last four.
Italy reach the semi-finals!
21:52 , Callum Rice-CoatesFull-time: That’s it! Italy win and are into the semi-finals. A remarkable performance.
Norway 1-2 Italy
21:51 , Callum Rice-Coates90+3 mins: Italy have a corner, and they’re taking their time with it. The clock ticks down...
Norway 1-2 Italy
21:51 , Callum Rice-Coates90+2 mins: Italy replace Cantore and potential match-winner Girelli, bringing on Lenzini and Piemonte.
Norway 1-2 Italy
21:49 , Callum Rice-Coates90+1 mins: Four minutes of added time for Italy to survive.
Norway 1-2 Italy
21:49 , Callum Rice-Coates90 mins: Incredible! Italy looked to have tired late in the second half but they score what could well be a late winner. It’s captain Girelli again, who gets her second of the night, meeting a brilliant Cantore cross with a powerful header in off the bar at the back post.
Norway 1-2 Italy
21:48 , Callum Rice-CoatesGOAL!!! Italy have surely won it.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:45 , Callum Rice-Coates87 mins: A switch at right-back for Norway as Bjelde is replaced by Woldvik.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:44 , Callum Rice-Coates86 mins: Close! Engen collects the ball to the left of the box and tries to curl a shot into the far corner. It flies just wide.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:41 , Callum Rice-Coates83 mins: Caruso meets a corner on the edge of the box with a first-time volley, which floats wide.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:38 , Callum Rice-Coates80 mins: Cantore sends a long shot over the bar. There are some tired legs on both sides now.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:35 , Callum Rice-Coates77 mins: Italy make a couple of changes: Greggi and Cambiaghi replace Severini and Bonansea.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:34 , Callum Rice-Coates76 mins: Graham Hansen is played in down the right and sends an inviting ball across the face of goal. There’s no one on the end of it, though, and it’s turned behind. From the resulting corner, Graham Hansen has a low drive blocked.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:30 , Callum Rice-Coates72 mins: Italy are forced into some good defending to deal with a couple of threatening Norway corners. The Scandinavians look the more likely to find a winner at the moment.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:29 , Callum Rice-Coates70 mins: Gaupset is the latest to have a shot, cutting in from the left and seeing a deflected effort go wide. Norway are growing in confidence now and looking the stronger side, after a really poor first hour.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:27 , Callum Rice-Coates69 mins: Hegerberg is involved again, meeting a Terland cut back with a first-time left foot shot, which sails over the bar.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:25 , Callum Rice-Coates66 mins: Hegerberg latches onto a ball in behind the Italy defence, sprinting into the box. Italy goalkeeper Giuliani doesn’t know whether to stay or go. In the end, she rushes off her line, and Hegerberg slots the ball coolly past her. Norway draw level.
Norway 1-1 Italy
21:24 , Callum Rice-CoatesGOAL! Hergerberg makes amends!
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:23 , Callum Rice-Coates65 mins: Frida Maanum is replaced by Manchester United forward Elisabeth Terland as Norway look for some attacking inspiration.
MISSED PENALTY! Norway 0-1 Italy
21:19 , Callum Rice-Coates61 mins: Hegerberg sends the penalty wide! Norway’s captain and so often a reliable scorer gets it all wrong. It’s a stuttered run up and a poor penalty. Italy keep their lead.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:17 , Callum Rice-Coates59 mins: Italy’s Linari appeared to have her hands all over Hegerberg in the box as the ball was crossed into the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and booked Linari.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:16 , Callum Rice-Coates58 mins: Penalty for Norway!
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:15 , Callum Rice-Coates57 mins: An awkward moment for Italy defender Salvai, who attempts to clear a cross and sends the ball towards her own goal. She breathes a sigh of relief as it flies just over.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:14 , Callum Rice-Coates56 mins: Italy continue to push. Bonansea is picked out on the left, cuts inside and sends a shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:12 , Callum Rice-Coates54 mins: Disallowed goal! Norway are on the ropes. Bonansea shoots from the edge of the box, it’s palmed away and there’s a scramble in the six-yard box. The ball eventually squirms over the line, but the celebrations are cut short because the flag is up for offside.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:10 , Callum Rice-Coates52 mins: There’s a spring in Italy’s step now. Girelli is picked out in the box and guides a header just wide.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:09 , Callum Rice-Coates51 mins: It’s a deserved lead for Italy. Cantore is picked out on the right in acres of space. Her low ball across the box is touched in by captain Girelli from close range. There’s a VAR check for offside, but the goal stands.
Norway 0-1 Italy
21:08 , Callum Rice-CoatesGOAL!! Italy lead!
Norway 0-0 Italy
21:06 , Callum Rice-Coates48 mins: A more positive start from Norway, who have probably been given a telling off during the break. Graham Hansen gets in down the right but her cut back is intercepted.
Kick-off
21:03 , Callum Rice-Coates46 mins: Norway get us back underway!
Italy superior
20:58 , Callum Rice-CoatesThe stats were in Italy’s favour in the first half.
Norway fail to get a single shot on target in the first half of their Women’s EURO quarter-final against Italy 😬🇳🇴🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/rUXN7MBU0P
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 16, 2025
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:48 , Callum Rice-CoatesHalf-time: The referee brings the first half to a close. Italy will feel they should lead, having had several good chances. Norway have had moments, though, and improved later in the half. Still all to play for.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:47 , Callum Rice-Coates45 mins: Wow! An audacious effort from Signe Gaupset, who breaks away down the right and shoots from the halfway line, noticing the goalkeeper off her line. It looks destined for the net, but lands just wide. Almost the goal of the tournament.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:44 , Callum Rice-Coates43 mins: An Italy corner is cleared only as far as Caruso on the edge of the box, but her well-struck half volley is straight at the goalkeeper.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:39 , Callum Rice-Coates37 mins: The best chance of the game for Norway. Right-back Bjelde is set away down the right, with time and space. Her low cross is deflected and hits the onrushing Hegerberg, before bouncing just wide of the near post. Some good fortune for Italy.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:36 , Callum Rice-Coates35 mins: It’s been a frustrating half for Norway. Their big players - Reiten and Hegerberg notably - have yet to really impact the game, and there’s a lack of fluidity in their attacks.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:34 , Callum Rice-Coates32 mins: A half-chance for Italy as Bonansea breaks into the box. She goes down under a challenge but Giugliano gets a shot off, though she can only find the side netting.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:30 , Callum Rice-Coates29 mins: A couple of corners for both teams come to nothing. There have been openings here but no consistent pressure from either side.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:25 , Callum Rice-Coates24 mins: Lia Naalsund goes into the book for a cynical foul in midfield.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:24 , Callum Rice-Coates21 mins: Italy really need to take one of these chances. They get another as Severini is sent through into the box, but her low shot is well saved by Fiskerstrand.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:22 , Callum Rice-Coates19 mins: Another big chance for Italy! Bonansea sends a perfect cross into the six-yard box, but Severini and Girelli get in each other’s way, and the header is sent well wide.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:19 , Callum Rice-Coates17 mins: Almost a chance for Ada Hegerberg, who nearly latches onto a low cross from Signe Gaupset but can’t control in the box.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:16 , Callum Rice-Coates14 mins: Barbara Bonansea has been lively so far for Italy on the left flank. She finds some space out wide but her cross is blocked.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:108 mins: Chance! Arianna Caruso manages to wriggle her way into the box, shrugging off a defender and shooting from close range. But she’s off balance and the ball just passes the post. Very close to the opening goal.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:05 , Callum Rice-Coates4 mins: Guro Reiten works a short corner routine and attempts a cross from the edge of the box, but it’s too long and nothing comes of it.
Norway 0-0 Italy
20:04 , Callum Rice-Coates2 mins: An early Italy free-kick is floated towards the box and easily cleared. No chances yet.
Kick-off
20:01 , Callum Rice-CoatesItaly get us underway!
Players are out
19:55 , Callum Rice-CoatesThe players emerge from the tunnel at Stade de Geneve. We’ll have the national anthems, and then we’ll be underway for the first quarter-final of the tournament...
Goals galore
19:50 , Callum Rice-CoatesThe goals have flowed at Euro 2025 so far. Will we get more tonight? Let’s hope so.
3.7 - There have been 89 goals scored across the 24 games so far at @WEURO2025, the highest ever goals per game rate in a single group stage of the UEFA Women's EURO (3.7). Abundance. #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/woL2ZWLL9G
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 14, 2025
Fans out in force
19:40 , Callum Rice-CoatesNorway and Italy supporters are ready to back their respective nations tonight...
'Relish the moment'
19:32 , Callum Rice-CoatesNorway captain Ada Hegerberg:
"We can enjoy being in such a strong position. We've had very good energy, everyone has contributed and we want to ride that wave and draw on the good sense of unity we have. I'm very proud of the group, the way we have believed and set up as a team.
It's a very important game - there's a lot at stake but we want to relish the moment. To get a top-four place in Europe would be amazing."
Team news
19:12 , Callum Rice-CoatesAnd here’s the Italy starting XI:
🇮🇹 How Italy line-up 👀#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/dLaDMWwIgz
— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 16, 2025
Team news
19:11 , Callum Rice-CoatesHere’s how Norway line up tonight:
🇳🇴 Norway's starting XI 👇#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/oQsdSeZqTp
— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 16, 2025
'Incredible adrenaline' running through Italy at Euro 2025
19:03 , Jamie BraidwoodItaly’s head coach Andrea Soncin said there is an “incredible adrenaline” running through the team as they bid to reach their first Women’s Euro semi-final since 1997 tonight against Norway.
“It's going to be a tough and challenging match against a difficult opponent, but we have the awareness, the strong motivation, and the desire to reach the final four,” he said. “In a competition of this level, in a moment like this, there are no favourites – it will be a very balanced match.
“Norway, like all the other teams, are dreaming of reaching the semi-finals. We need a lot of focus and concentration, and then the girls must feel free to express their qualities – they have many, and that gives us confidence and awareness that we can go through."
France v Germany
18:51 , Jamie BraidwoodSaturday July 19, 8pm, Basel
France have never won a major tournament and their head coach Laurent Bonadei attracted plenty of attention when he dropped captain Wendie Renard and all-time top scorer Eugenie Le Sommer before the tournament in search of “different results”. Well, a bold approach has so far paid off and France look like tournament contenders.Their level shocked England in the opening game of Group D and France’s margin of victory should have been greater than 2-1.
This is another rematch of a Euro 2022 semi-final and the next step for France, who won all three of their group games and came from behind to defeat the Netherlands 5-2 and top Group D, is beating a team with the tournament history of Germany in the knockout stages.
Germany have looked dangerous in attack but lack the defensive solidity of the side that reached the Euros final three years ago, given the amount of change in their back four. There is also a selected headache at right back after captain Giulia Gwinn was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury and her replacement Carlotta Wamser was sent off for handling the ball on the line in the defeat to Sweden.
It will require a reshuffle but head coach Christian Wuck said his team will remain committed to their attacking style of play and won’t set up to restrict France. “I think it would be wrong now to react and destruct [the plan],” Wuck said after his team’s 4-1 defeat to Sweden. “We are not a team that only wants to keep their box clean. That’s not what we’re going to do.”
Spain v Switzerland
18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodFriday July 18, 8pm, Bern
Switzerland squeezed through to the quarter-finals for the first time after scoring a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Finland and the hosts will be major underdogs when they take on world champions Spain in the quarter-finals.
In an ominous sign from the tournament favourites, Spain equalled the record set by England three years ago for the most goals scored in a Women’s Euros group stage, netting 14 across their three wins. They have shared the goals around the team but Esther Gonzalez has been prolific, with four already, while Alexia Putellas has been the player of the tournament so far with three goals and four assists.
Putellas looks back to her best after being ruled out of the previous Euros with a knee injury suffered on the eve of the tournament, which has meant Spain’s other two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati has been able to slowly build into the competition after being in hospital for treatment for viral meningitis a week before their first match.
Even with the whole country behind them and momentum building, Switzerland require their greatest ever performance to continue their journey. Geraldine Reuteler has been their standout player in midfield, so there is some hope of a magic moment. Spain just have so many different threats and look unstoppable in attack. Good luck Switzerland.
Sweden v England
18:32 , Jamie BraidwoodThursday July 17, 8pm, Zurich
England’s opening defeat to France at Euro 2025 may have been a blessing in disguise. By finishing runners-up in Group D, the holders have landed into the opposite side of the draw as Spain and now cannot face the world champions until the final. Still, the Lionesses would have been aware that a tricky quarter-final awaited them regardless of whether they went through as winners or runners-up, as Sweden displayed in their 4-1 comeback win over Germany to top Group C.
Sweden have an excellent record at major tournaments but their recent history follows a pattern of falling just short in the latter stages - that includes the 4-0 defeat to England and Alessia Russo’s back-heel in the semi-finals of Euro 2022. Sweden head coach Peter Gerhardsson spoke of wanting to write a “new history” against England while there is a growing belief within the Sweden squad that this could finally be their year. “Something feels different,” said Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd.
The Chelsea winger is one of several members of the squad who play or have played in England, including the Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius, the Chelsea centre-back Nathalie Bjorn and the former Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson. Sweden are familiar, experienced and a well-bonded unit, while they also carry plenty of athleticism and pace, which tore Germany apart on the counter-attack. With the rapid Rytting Kaneryd and Fridolina Rolfo, they can trouble England with a direct, physical approach that the Lionesses have yet to face in this tournament.
But England appear to be building momentum and the way Sarina Wiegman’s team have recovered from their opening defeat to France suggests they are well capable of reaching another final.
Norway v Italy
18:20 , Jamie BraidwoodWednesday July 16, 8pm, Geneva
Norway were the winners of Group A, which proved to be the weakest of the tournament, while Italy were runners-up to favourites Spain in Group B. Despite Norway winning all three of their group matches and Italy winning only one - they defeated Belgium but drew to Portugal and lost against Spain - this appears to be a lot closer on paper.
Norway had unconvincing spells in all three of their group games. They trailed Switzerland after an awful first half of their tournament and the game only turned around when the hosts had a five-minute lapse following the break. They were then heading for a draw against Finland before being rescued by Caroline Graham Hansen, which underlined how Norway continue to be reliant on individual inspiration from their star players rather than consistent, cohesive team performances.
Italy are through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years and have a real opportunity to continue that journey by reaching the semi-finals. While they were ultimately well beaten by Spain, Italy had a few promising moments against the world champions and even led the match before losing 3-1. Italy’s strength comes from their quality and movement in central areas and the talent of Arianna Caruso and Manuela Giugliano could give the dark horses the advantage in midfield.
Women's Euro 2025 knockout schedule
18:10 , Jamie BraidwoodQuarter-finals
Norway vs Italy – 16 July, Geneva
Sweden vs England – 17 July, Zurich
Spain vs Switzerland – 18 July, Bern
France vs Germany – 19 July, Basel
Semi-finals
Norway/Italy vs Sweden/England - 22 July, Geneva
Spain/Switzerland vs France/Germany - 23 July, Zurich
Final: Sunday, 27 July at 5pm BST - Basel
One prediction for each Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-final
18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Euro 2025 quarter-finals have quickly rolled around after eight teams progressed from the group stage to stand just three wins away from the title in Switzerland.
Holders England progressed as runners-up to France in Group D but responded well from their opening defeat to an impressive Les Bleues side to set up a Euros rematch with Sweden in the last-eight.
On the other side of the draw, world champions Spain have underlined their status as tournament favourites so far and will play Switzerland next. The winner will face either France or Germany, in another rematch from Euro 2022.
Hosts Switzerland are through to the quarter-finals for the first time, along with Italy. The Italians play Norway in their quarter-final with the winner facing either England or Sweden.
What is the team news?
18:02 , Jamie BraidwoodNorway’s Signe Gaupset took her chance after starting against Iceland and came away with two goals and two assists in the 4-3 win but has she won a place in Gemma Grainger’s strongest side ahead of Guro Reiten? Marit Bratberg Lund is suspended.
Cristiana Girelli should return up front but otherwise Italy could name an unchanged team from the side that started against Spain.
Possible Norway XI: Fiskerstrand; Bjelde, Harviken, Mjelde, T. Hansen; Bøe Risa, Engen, Maanum; Graham Hansen, Hegerberg, Reiten
Possible Italy XI: Giuliani; Oliviero, Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, Boattin; Cantore, Giugliano, Caruso, Bonansea; Girelli
When is Norway v Italy?
18:01 , Jamie BraidwoodThe first Euro 2025 quarter-final will kick off at 8pm UK time (9pm local time) in Geneva, Switzerland.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on BBC One and iPlayer will coverage kicking off from 7:30pm.
Good evening
18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodNorway take on Italy in the first quarter-final of Euro 2025.
Italy are through the knockout stages of the European Championships for the first time in 12 years after finishing runners-up to Spain in Group B.
Two-time champions Norway topped Group A with three wins out of three but were not always convincing as they progressed.
They have relied on moments of inspiration from stars like Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg but could Italy spring a surprise?
