The women’s Euro semi-finals kick off on Tuesday, where the UK will face Italy in a battle featuring one of the tournament favorites against this year’s breakout team.
The reigning European champions, the UK, enter the match with significant support, showcasing a potent offense as they strive for consecutive titles. They reached the semi-finals after a nail-biting quarter-final against Sweden, where they were down 2-0 at halftime but rallied with two goals in the second half to extend the match into extra time and ultimately triumphed in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2 after seven rounds.
Despite a challenging path to the Final Four, the UK remains the team to beat for Italy, which is enjoying a historic run in the tournament. Italy recently secured its first Euro knockout victory since 1997 with a 2-1 win over Norway. Although they will face a formidable opponent in the UK, this summer could be transformative for the Italian squad.
Both teams aim for a place in Sunday’s finals, where they will await the winner of the semi-final clash between Spain and Germany on Wednesday.
Here’s what you should know before tuning in:
Top four players to watch in the UEFA Women’s Euro semi-finals include England’s Lauren James and Spain’s Claudia Pina.
England vs Italy: Essential Information
- Date: Tuesday, July 22 | Time: 3 PM
- Location: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
- Broadcast: Fox | Live Stream: fubo (free trial available)
- Odds: England -210; Draw +340; Italy +500
Previous Encounter
When these teams last met, England secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Italy in a friendly in February 2024. England’s Lotte Woven Moy scored early, with Lauren Hemp netting twice to give them a 3-0 lead by halftime. Italy’s Michela Kambiagi managed one goal but couldn’t stop England from adding to their tally in the second half. This outcome serves as a signal of England’s attacking prowess, but also sets a challenging precedent for Italy.
Insights from England
England’s preparations for the semi-final have been overshadowed by racist abuse directed at defender Jess Carter on social media. Coach Sarina Wiegman and Carter’s teammates are calling for more robust actions from social media platforms against hate speech. Wiegman also indicated that the team will not kneel before the match, stating they want action beyond mere gestures to combat racism.
“We feel it’s time to stand instead of kneeling,” said midfielder Georgia Stanway, emphasizing the need for substantive change. “Even while kneeling, discrimination continues, so we aim to raise awareness about this issue.”
Italian team members have also voiced their support for Carter, with head coach Andrea Sungshin emphasizing that discriminatory language in sports must be addressed.
“We stand in solidarity with her and anyone facing abuse,” he remarked, advocating for educational initiatives to combat this cultural challenge.
On the team news front, England’s captain Leah Williamson may return for the match despite sustaining an injury in the quarter-final against Sweden.
Insights from Italy
Italy has shown significant growth in women’s football over the past few years, and this tournament reflects their progress. Increased visibility and investment in the sport have contributed to their rise. According to captain Cristiana Girelli, their dedication and teamwork have allowed them to reach this stage.
“We recognize we’re the underdogs here,” Girelli commented, understanding the challenge presented by their seasoned opponents. She attributes part of their success to coach Sungshin, who took charge after the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has fostered unity and confidence within the squad.
Sungshin’s task is to find a way to outsmart England’s fast-paced offense.
“We need to find a strategy to win this match,” he noted. “While England is known for their possession, they also have a direct approach that we need to be wary of.”
Expected Lineups
England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp.
Italy: Laura Giuliani, Elisabetta Oliviero, Cecilia Salvai, Elena Linari, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Arianna Caruso, Manuela Giugliano, Emma Severini, Sofia Cantore, Cristiana Girelli, Barbara Bonansea.
Player Spotlight
Alessia Russo, England: Although many players contribute to England’s scoring capabilities, Russo stands out as a key figure in their offensive strategy. The 26-year-old is looking to cement her role in the team’s plan during the Euros and has already provided three assists in four games, showcasing her playmaking skills.
Storyline to Follow
Italy’s Cinderella Story: Surrounded by established powerhouses like England, Spain, and Germany, Italy stands out as a compelling underdog. Their victory over Norway highlights their competitive edge and raises expectations for what they can achieve against England.
Prediction
While a repeat of the previous 5-1 scoreline seems improbable, the unpredictability of tournaments makes every match crucial. However, despite significant improvements, Italy may struggle to create as many scoring opportunities as England. With England’s attacking talent, they remain favorites but should expect a tougher challenge in this match. Prediction: England 2, Italy 1.
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Fan Take: This semi-final match matters not just for the teams involved, but also for the future of women’s soccer. A strong performance from Italy could further elevate the profile of women’s football and inspire future generations, while a decisive win for England reinforces their dominance in the sport.
