By Eloise Smallbone (21/07/2025)
Above: the knockout rounds of WEURO2025. Photo: UEFA website.
England and Italy will face each other in the first semi-final of Euro 2025 on Tuesday 22nd July at 8pm BST. Here is everything you need to know about previous meetings between England and Italy, each side’s tournament journey so far, as well as the important players for the teams to look out for.
Recent history
The last encounter between Italy and England was in February 2024, with England beating Italy 5-1. England have won seven of their last ten games in all competitions against Italy, drawing two and losing one. However, it is worth noting that in the Women’s Euro, England have lost both of their head-to-heads against Italy. Italy won 2-1 in both 1987 and 2009, eliminating the Lionesses from the tournament. History also suggests that the tie is likely to involve multiple goals, as none of the previous 32 meetings have ended goalless, and within these 32, there have only been two games where only one goal was scored.
When it comes to recent semi-finals, England have the better history, as this is England’s seventh Women’s Euro semi-final. They have progressed from their previous six, including two of their last three. Euro 2025 marks the first time that Italy have reached the semi-finals of the competition since 1997. They went on to beat Spain 2-1, before losing to Germany in the final.
England’s tournament so far
England’s journey to the semi-finals has not been smooth-sailing, with difficult games against both France and Sweden especially. England were in Group D, with France, the Netherlands and Wales. Their tournament opener was a disappointment for England fans, when they lost 2-1 to France. However, this appeared to be an anomaly of a group stage result, as the Lionesses came back with an incredible performance against the Netherlands, which they won 4-0. They gained momentum in their final group stage game against Wales, which they won 5-1. These results meant they progressed to the quarter-finals as Group D’s runner-up, so they faced Sweden.
England’s victory against Sweden in the quarter-final was also a hard fought win. England went 2-0 down within the first 30 minutes, conceding two goals due to defensive errors. It was not until the 79th minute, when Sarina Wiegman had made four substitutions, that England were able to get themselves back in the game, with an impressive header from Lucy Bronze. England then equalised only two minutes later, with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang scoring England’s second goal. The game then went to extra time, during which neither Sweden or England were able to settle the game, and England won 3-2 on penalties.
England’s journey in the tournament so far has definitely been tumultuous, with the loss in their opener against France leading a lot of fans to doubt England’s ability. However, they have demonstrated the depth that they have within the squad, with Wiegman’s substitutions making the difference against Sweden. But arguably most importantly, England’s Euro 2025 journey so far has also demonstrated their resilience and ability to win in the most high pressure circumstances.
Player to watch: Chloe Kelly
One of the standout players in England’s quarter-final was Chloe Kelly, despite not starting the game. As soon as Kelly entered the pitch, she provided an injection of energy into an England team who were struggling to create any chances against Sweden and were 2-0 down.
Her pace and crosses significantly increased England’s attacking threat against Sweden, and she will definitely be a player for Italy to watch out for. Kelly was also one of England’s three players to score her spot-kick in the penalty shootout, which sent England through.
Italy’s tournament so far
Italy finished second in Group B – behind Spain – and they progressed to play Norway in the quarter-finals. Their only win of the group stage came with their opening 1-0 win against Belgium, as they then drew 1-1 with Portugal, and then lost 3-1 to Spain. However, these results were still enough for them to progress to the quarter-finals, where they beat Norway 2-1.
Another similarity that Italy and England share is their resilience and determination, which saw Italy progress to the semi-finals. Despite being the better side in the first half of their quarter-final against Italy, the score remained 1-1 until the 90th minute, when Cristiana Girelli scored the winner.
Player to watch: Cristiana Girelli
Girelli has been a crucial player for Italy throughout the tournament, but especially in the quarter-final against Norway. She scored both of Italy’s goals, securing their victory and progression into the semi-finals. She became the oldest European player to score twice in a major tournament match, with her brace in the quarter-final against Norway.
Girelli will be an important player for England to be constantly aware of her position on the pitch, as she has been a consistent attacking threat for Italy. As a very experienced player in major international tournaments, she is also extremely capable of delivering goals in high pressure circumstances and clutch moments for Italy, which makes her a danger to England’s defence.
Tactical battle
Whilst certain underdogs, Italy do have one tactical advantage over England: they can be adaptable, and use their physicality and height – all things that England have struggled to cope with throughout the tournament. Italy also have the pace to make runs and will be targeting England’s left side – where Sweden had luck in the quarter-final.
For England, scoring first will be integral. If Italy open the scoring, they may revert to a low block and pack the defensive area with players, meaning a breakthrough for England would be much more difficult. If England score first, it is possible that Italy will go forward more, leaving spaces in behind for England to exploit – they did this brilliantly against the Netherlands and Wales.
The big decision facing Wiegman will be whether to utilise a back four or a back three. A 3-5-1 seemed more affective against Sweden in the latter stages (before the eventual switch to an attacking 4-1-4), and provides more cover for the fact that none of their back line are particularly pacy.
England and Italy will battle it out for a place in the Euro 2025 final on Tuesday 22nd July at 20.00 BST.
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