Emily Kage
Geneva, Switzerland – Italy rejoiced in its quarter-final win over Norway, clinching a spot in Euro 2025’s semifinals. The match concluded with a thrilling 2-1 victory, driven by veteran striker Christiana Guilelli, who scored both goals in her last tournament at age 35, marking Italy’s first semifinal appearance since 1997.
Guilelli’s performance was emblematic of her illustrious career, which spanned over 12 years and included more than 60 goals for the national team. Her tireless dedication to women’s soccer made her a fitting hero for this remarkable match.
Italy’s transformation into a professional women’s soccer environment only occurred three years ago, after decades of players being limited to amateur status, earning merely up to 30,000 euros annually.
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“It’s a dream come true,” Girelli stated after the quarter-finals. “Since arriving in Switzerland, there’s been a unique energy within the team. We knew the semifinals would be a tough challenge, but we believed we could achieve it.”
The Italian players surrounded Girelli in celebration after her winning goal.
Coach Andrea Songsing has formed a deep connection with his players since taking the helm in September 2023, and this bond has been crucial in achieving their current success. The upbeat spirit and unity the team has displayed in Switzerland have been particularly noteworthy.
“We’re a pragmatic group brought together by shared aspirations,” forward Michela Kambiagi remarked this week. “We uplift each other’s spirits. Even when there’s pressure, we manage to maintain our composure and joy.”
Italy seems poised to relish every moment in this tournament. This was evident after the group stage, where they celebrated around defender Elisabetta Oliviero after realizing other match outcomes had advanced them midway through a 3-1 loss to Spain. Players from both the starting lineup and substitutes gathered around Bluetooth speakers, blasting Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.”
Following the quarter-finals, goalkeeper Laura Giuliani showcased her rendition of the song in the mixed zone while her teammates joined in with fading voices. The party atmosphere continued on their team bus, where they adapted the lyrics of “Freed From Desire” to “Girelli on Fire” in tribute to their captain and match winner.
The Bluetooth speaker has been central to Italian festivities since their 3-0 win over Denmark in the international league in April. Midfielder Ariana Caruso was the first to propose the idea of including music, and Songsing kept his promise to bring it along when the team convened again.
“Now you have your music,” he reminded them. “You know how to celebrate. Results don’t define us. What matters is believing in our shared dreams and building on them every day.”
Songsing, who had previously played for several lower league teams in Italy, took over the coaching reins from Milena Bertlini in 2023. A newcomer to women’s soccer, he previously coached men’s teams and has made a significant effort to understand his players better. The team’s resurgence under his leadership is a testament to his approach.
Training sessions are rigorous, with players engaging in extensive gym work, focused drills, and tactical preparations. The medical staff notably wear both suits and soccer boots when attending to players on the pitch. What truly shines under Songsing’s guidance is the positive and joyful environment he has fostered within the team.
Italy’s success in Switzerland is not just a side note; it’s a reflection of a team that truly loves the game. Their unity and “live in the moment” philosophy have become hallmarks of their most impressive campaign in recent history. The team hasn’t reached the Euro semi-finals since 1997, and before that, they only participated in the inaugural tournament in 1984.
While defending champions England are favorites, having faced Italy multiple times before—most recently in a February friendly that ended in a 5-1 win for the Lionesses—the Italians are entering this match with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Their preparation has been detailed, including studying past matches from Spain and Switzerland for potential future encounters in the finals.
With their anthemic songs echoing the sentiment that “the rest is still unwritten,” Italy is ready to pen a new chapter in their history as they take on England in Geneva, savoring the journey along the way.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the rapid evolution of women’s soccer in Italy, showcasing the dedication of players and coaches alike. A successful run could inspire not just Italian soccer but the global women’s game, signaling that barriers continue to be broken and new heights are achievable.
