Italy: The European Dream Escapes for a Minute Against England

Italy Falls with Honor to England in the Women’s Euro 2025 Semifinals

The Italian coach, Andrea Soncin, found solace in defeat after the semi-final of the Women’s Euro 2025, where his team was a minute away from reaching the final. Despite the 2-1 defeat against England in extra time, Soncin highlighted the performance of his players.

This hurts, but we must be proud of what we have done. The fact that we didn’t reach the final and were a minute away is encouraging.

Andrea Soncin, Italian coach.

Italian midfielder Sofia Cantore also valued the team’s performance, highlighting the growth and strength demonstrated.

I think we did something incredible. Now I’m sad, but we take away the idea that we can be strong.

Sofia Cantore, Italian midfielder.

The last time Italy reached the Women’s Euro final was in 1997. The team seemed on track to repeat the feat when Barbara Bonansea scored in the 33rd minute. The Italian fans celebrated with enthusiasm. However, English substitute Michelle Agyemang equalized in the 96th minute, taking the match to extra time, where Chloe Kelly scored the decisive goal that frustrated Italian dreams.

There is a lot of sorrow, we were a minute and a half away from the dream. Unfortunately, we were tired in the final.

Elena Linari, Italian player.

Linari expressed his pride in the team, describing the night as bittersweet. Cantore hopes that the support of the fans will continue in the future.

Fans now have to be closer to us, because perhaps they are now aware of our strengths.

Sofia Cantore, Italian midfielder.