In an exciting England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal played in Geneva, England’s Lionesses defeated Italy 2-1 after extra time to reach the final. The match had everything, an early goal from Italy, a last-minute equalizer from England, and a dramatic winner just two minutes before penalties.
Barbara Bonansea scored for Italy in the first half, and England looked short of ideas. But then 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang came off the bench and scored a late equalizer in the 96th minute. The match went into extra time, where Chloe Kelly missed a penalty but scored from the rebound in the 118th minute. With that, England booked their ticket to the final in Basel, where they will face either Spain or Germany.
Agyemang and Kelly Turn the Game Around
The England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal was another tense moment in England’s journey at this tournament. Against Sweden in the quarterfinal, they came back from 2-0 down to win. Against Italy, they left it even later. It was Michelle Agyemang, once again, who saved the team.
Brought on in the 85th minute, Agyemang looked confident and full of energy. In the 96th minute, she calmly finished a chance from close range, slipping the ball through two defenders’ legs. The young striker even came close to scoring again in extra time, but her lob hit the crossbar.
In the final moments of the England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal, England won a penalty when Beth Mead was fouled in the box. Chloe Kelly stepped up to take it, but the Italian goalkeeper made a great save. Luckily, Kelly reacted quickly and tapped in the rebound to give England a 2-1 lead.
While the goals came eventually, many feel manager Sarina Wiegman made her substitutions too late. Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones came on in the 85th minute, and Kelly was introduced in the 77th. The impact was huge, but the timing could have been better. Still, their contribution made all the difference in the England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal.
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Italy’s Smart Tactics Nearly Succeed
Italy came into the England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal well-prepared. They had a clear strategy, and for most of the game, it worked. Like in all their previous matches at Euro 2025, they scored first. Bonansea’s goal came after a series of mistakes in the English defense, and it gave Italy the lead they wanted.
Italy’s plan was to shut down England’s key players. Keira Walsh, who usually controls the midfield, was tightly marked and barely had space to operate. Lauren James, another star performer, was also marked heavily and had to go off injured at halftime.
Italy also defended long balls into Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, cutting off England’s main attacking options. Their tight marking, smart positioning, and team discipline frustrated the Lionesses for most of the England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal.
But in the dying moments of regular time, Italy’s concentration slipped. Agyemang found space to score. Later, a foul on Beth Mead led to the penalty that resulted in the winning goal. For Italy, it was a heartbreaking end after 118 minutes of strong defending.
Still, Italy’s experienced players showed their quality. Barbara Bonansea, at 34, became the second-oldest player to score in Euro history. Cristiana Girelli, 35, led the team with pride and passion until she left the pitch in tears after a hamstring injury.
Though their campaign ended in disappointment, Italy can be proud of their performance. From passionate fans to smart tactics, they gave everything. The England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal was proof of how far they’ve come.
England’s Defense and Attack Still a Concern
Even though England won, their defensive weaknesses remain a big worry. In past matches, France and Sweden had exposed gaps in their backline. In the England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal, it was the same story. For Bonansea’s goal, England gave too much space for the cross, failed to clear the ball, and didn’t mark the goal-scorer.
Sarina Wiegman made changes, replacing Jess Carter with Esme Morgan, but the defense still looked shaky. Leah Williamson seemed to be struggling with fitness, and Alex Greenwood had to play out of position, weakening the team’s usual passing from the back.
England also wasted too many chances in front of goal. Alessia Russo had to drop deep into midfield because there wasn’t enough support in the box. Lauren Hemp had the speed but couldn’t deliver good crosses. At times, players like Lucy Bronze and Ella Toone were in great positions but didn’t receive the ball.
Italy’s defense blocked England’s usual play through Keira Walsh, leaving the team with fewer options. Against a strong team like Spain or Germany, these missed chances could cost them the title.
There’s no doubt that Michelle Agyemang has earned a chance to start in the final. Her energy and calmness under pressure have been crucial in two back-to-back games. Chloe Kelly’s experience in big moments has also proven valuable again.
The England vs Italy Euro 2025 Semifinal will be remembered as another thrilling comeback story for the Lionesses. But as they look ahead to the final in Basel, England must fix their defense and improve their finishing to have a real shot at defending their Euro title.
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