In a heart-stopping Euro 2025 semifinal on Tuesday, England overturned Italy in extra time to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in Sunday’s final in Basel. Defending champions England twice came back from the brink, with substitutes Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly delivering the crucial moments.
Italy stunned the crowd in the 33rd minute when Barbara Bonansea rifled home a volley, giving the underdogs a lead they held until deep stoppage time. England’s resilience shone through in the 91st minute when Agyemang capitalized on a rare handling error by Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, firing a low shot through the legs of central backs Elena Linari and Giuliani to level the score.
The drama peaked in the 119th minute. Kelly stepped up for a penalty, saw her initial spot kick saved, then pounced on the rebound to fire England into the final. It was a familiar script for the attacker, who also netted the match-winner in extra time against Germany in the Euro 2022 final.
Coach Sarina Wiegman, unbeaten across two European Championships, praised her team’s never-say-die attitude: “When it finishes like this, it’s dramatic, but it’s exactly why we love football.” Italy coach Andrea Soncin reflected on a bitter defeat but applauded his side’s historic run to the semifinals.
England now await the winner of Wednesday’s clash between world champions Spain and Germany in Zurich. A rematch with Spain would offer redemption after last year’s World Cup final loss, while facing Germany would echo their Euro 2022 triumph.
As fans around the globe tune in, this latest dramatic chapter underlines the growing excitement and competitive balance in women’s football across Europe and beyond.
Reference(s):
England break Italy's heart in extra time to make final at Euro 2025
cgtn.com
