Norway 1-2 Italy – Report, result and goals as Girelli brace sends Italians to Euro 2025 semi-final
It was the late show for Italy but they got the job done.
Cristiana Girelli was the hero for Italy as her late brace sealed a 2-1 win over Norway in the first Euro 2025 quarter-final.
Despite a goalless first half, the match sprang to life after the break with Girelli striking twice – including a stoppage-time winner – to cancel out Ada Hegerberg’s earlier equaliser.
Italy edged a lively opening 45 minutes in terms of chances, with Arianna Caruso and Emma Severini both testing Norwegian goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand.
At the other end, Hegerberg came closest for the hosts but sent her close-range shot wide. Despite a flurry of corners and half chacnes, neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
The breakthrough finally came in the 50th minute. A driving run by Sofia Cantore opened space down the right before her low cross found Girelli, who calmly slotted home from close range to put Italy ahead.
Norway responded and were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when Elena Linari conceded a penalty in the 58th minute after bringing down Hegerberg in the box.
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However, the Lyon striker uncharacteristically missed the target, dragging her spot-kick wide.
Hegerberg made amends moments later, scoring in the 66th minute to draw the scores level. The equaliser seemed to tilt momentum in Norway’s favour as they pressed forward, with attempts from Ingrid Engen and Signe Gaupset narrowly missing the target.
Italy made a series of substitutions in the final quarter to regain control, bringing on fresh legs, including Michela Cambiaghi and Giada Greggi.
The change paid dividends in added time. In the 90th minute, Cantore delivered a perfect cross to the back post, where Girelli rose highest to head home her second of the night and silence the Norwegian crowd.
There was still time for a few late corners and stoppages, but Italy saw out the remaining minutes.
The result was met with jubilant celebrations on the pitch, as they secured their spot in the final four.