Article Written By Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated 

LANCY, SWITZERLAND(SMI-GLOBAL-WOMEN-SPORTS-JULY 02-27, 2025)-FIFA-ranked #13, Italy Women's national team defeated Norway 2-1, with striker Cristiana Girelli scoring 2-goals in the quarterfinal match of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, advances to semifinals to face the winner between Sweden vs England at Stade De Geneve in Lancy, Switzerland.

The Italians outperformed the Norwegians in the game-stats with 51-49% in possession
13-9, on shots to goal and 6-1, shots on target in a very close game.

"Le Azurre" dominated the first half with continuous counter-attacks and shots on  goal that did not arrive with half ending in a scoreless draw.

With five-minute into the half, the Italians during a counter-attack through the middle, midfielder Arianna Caruso passed the ball to the right-side field to forward Sofia Cantore who inside the penalty box kicked a right-footed shot to goal with Cristiana Girelli tapped-in the ball in back of the net for 1-0, Italy at 50' mark. 

Norway answered back with counter-attack through the left-side field, midfielder 
Lisa Naalsund sent a centered pass inside the 18', intended to forward Elisabeth Terland but she was held and brought down by defender Elena Linari for penalty kick call for the Norwegians at 58' mark.

Forward Ada Hegerberg executed the penalty-kick trying to tie the game but she missed wide to the right-goal post for her second missed penalty kick in the tournament at 60' mark.

Norway kept the pressure and five minute later, defender Maren Mjelde sent a long ball from the back-line to the right-side field corner intended to striker Ada Hegerberg
who in a break-away inside the 18', kicked a right-footed in back of the net to redeemed herself and tie the game 1-1, at 66' mark.

With one minute-remaining in the game, forward Sofia Cantore through the left-side field sent a centered kick inside the 6-yard box finding striker Cristiana Girelli who scored with a header to sealed the 2-1, win for Italy and send the Italians to the semifinals. 

With the win, Italy advances to the semifinals to face the winner between Sweden vs England on Tuesday July 22, at Stade de Geneve in Lancy, Switzerland.