England’s Dramatic Comeback Shocks Italy as Super Substitute Secures Final Berth

Geneva – The UK secured their place in the Euro 2025 final by defeating Italy with a 2-1 score after extra time.

Italy’s Barbara Bonancy scored in the first half, leaving England without a response initially. However, substitute Michel Aguierman came through with a critical equalizer in the 96th minute, scoring from close range.

The tired Italian team faltered in extra time, granting England a penalty in the 118th minute. Although Chloe Kelly’s initial shot was saved, she converted from the rebound, setting up a final showdown against either Spain or Germany on Sunday in Basel.

– Check out the Women’s Euro 2025 bracket, results, and match schedule.

England’s Close Call

England is enjoying their time in Switzerland, and the nickname “Aguierman,” meaning “savior of the nation,” fits perfectly. According to Sweden’s manager, Salina Wigman, England barely made it through against Sweden before waiting until the final minutes to find an equalizer against Italy, again thanks to Aguierman.

Ultimately, it was Kelly who netted the winning goal, finishing from close range after her penalty was saved. This turnaround was remarkable, especially considering Aguierman had also forced extra time against Sweden by scoring late.

Aguierman nearly put England ahead earlier but hit the bar. Despite her contributions, one can argue that some substitutions came too late; Wigman seemed reluctant to make changes, bringing in Beth Mead at halftime due to Lauren James’ injury but delaying other adjustments.

Kelly’s late introduction in the 77th minute, along with Aguierman and Aggie Beever-Jones shortly thereafter, eventually paid off, but it felt overdue. – Tom Hamilton

Unlucky Italy

Italy entered the match with a strategic plan. Their pre-game briefing indicated they were prepared for every scenario, but missed opportunities ultimately cost them the chance to advance.

Italy had triumphed in all five previous Euro 2025 matches and started strong against England, taking advantage of their earlier two-goal rally against Sweden.

Their strategy effectively neutralized England’s midfield star, Keira Walsh, while focusing tightly on Lauren James, who was injured in the first half. Italy’s tactical approach created challenges for England, but they lost focus in the dying seconds, allowing Aguierman to score the equalizer, and a late foul from Beth Mead resulted in a penalty for England during extra time. They fought hard but ultimately fell short. – Emily Kage

Defensive Struggles for Britain

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Chloe Kelly’s scoring gasped excitement from England’s supporters.

British fans erupted as Chloe Kelly secured the 2-1 lead against Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-finals.

England’s defensive weaknesses became evident in this tournament. Their backline was vulnerable against France, and again against Sweden before late substitutions turned the tide. In the matchup against Italy, England’s defense looked shaky yet again. Although Wigman attempted to fortify the lineup by substituting Esme Morgan for Jess Carter, England still showed signs of vulnerability.

They made several errors leading to Italy’s chances, failing to deny them necessary space for crossing the ball. Leah Williamson’s recent ankle injury might still be affecting her performance. Moreover, England has been missing a world-class left back, hurting their overall distribution. Although they managed to secure the win through teamwork, their defensive unit must tighten up before competing against top teams like Spain or Germany. – Hamilton

Italian Veterans Shine

This match marked an emotional exit for veteran Italian striker Christiana Guilelli, who left the pitch in tears due to a suspected hamstring injury in the 64th minute.

The 35-year-old Guilelli, an integral part of the team, felt the loss deeply. Despite her crucial role, reliance on senior players has drawn some criticism, as it has hindered the integration of younger talent.

Her ability to perform at a high level—as evidenced by her contributions in past matches—remains vital for the team. Even as she moved emotionally around the field, her dedication to the sport was evident. Meanwhile, Bonancy, at 35, is among the oldest players in Euro history. Italy’s veteran members showcased their importance on the field, yet 25-year-old starlet Sofia Cantre also made a name for herself by exploiting defensive gaps. – Kage

England’s Missed Chances

While Italy’s defensive strategies were commendable, England squandered too many scoring opportunities in this match.

This wasteful performance could come back to haunt them against fearsome teams like Spain and Germany. Russo worked tirelessly on the front line but often found herself isolated and having to drop back to support the midfield.

The numerical disadvantage against Italian defenders hindered her impact. While England struggled to push through midfield, players like Ella Toone and Lucy Bronze were visible options for distribution but went overlooked. This pattern of missed chances has become a recurring issue for England, which could jeopardize their title defense in the upcoming final. – Kage

Italy’s Legacy Lives On

As the final whistle blew, the Italian players collapsed on the ground, devastated. Despite the loss, there is pride in their performance throughout the tournament. They advanced to the Euro semi-finals for the first time in 28 years, creating memorable moments that fans will cherish.

As England celebrated with “Sweet Caroline,” the echoes of the Italian anthem and the chants of “Gileri” filled the Stade de Genève. Although disappointment lingered, pride in their achievements coupled with a firm resolve to grow the sport will drive Italian soccer forward. Fans hope they won’t have to wait another 28 years for a similar opportunity again. – Hamilton