UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: Semi-Finals – England vs Italy

Reigning champions, England continue their title defence against Italy in the opening semi-final at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. 

England overcame Sweden in a chaotic penalty shootout to reach this stage after a comeback 2-2 draw, whilst Italy saw off Norway with a late winner in the opening Quarter-Final to secure their spot.

 

Teams

England have no fresh injury concerns to report following their dramatic Quarter-Final comeback victory over Sweden on penalties.

Leah Williamson was considered doubtful after she was substituted in extra time with an ankle issue but the captain was seen training with her teammates in the build-up to this game.

Italy have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report following their win over Norway.

 

When is Kick-Off?

England face Italy at Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday 22 July at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• England have lost each of their two previous meetings against Italy at UEFA Women’s Euro by 2-1 results (L2), which came in 1987 Third-Placed Play-Off then in their opening group match at the 2009 edition.
• Italy came from behind to win each of their two previous meetings against England at UEFA Women’s Euro
• Under Sarina Wiegman and including penalty shootouts, England have lost just one of their last eight knockout matches at major tournaments (W5, D2, L1).
• Italy have won just one of four major tournament knockout matches this century (W1, L3), which came in a 2-0 win over China in the Round of 16 at 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• England have kept just one clean sheet at this edition (W2, D1, L1).
• Three of Italy’s five goals in this edition were scored by Cristiana Girelli.

 

Prediction

After their disastrous 70 minutes against Sweden until the substitutes and marginally better penalties somehow salvaged victory from the literal jaws of defeat, England now need to knuckle down and play with the same aggressive intensity which beat Netherlands and Wales in the group stage.

One advantage that the Lionesses hold over Italy though is experience at this stage of major tournaments as the Italians haven’t reached this stage since 1997, which will make them fearless with nothing to lose especially given their similar counter-attacking style to Sweden.

I however do expect the Lionesses to pull through because they ultimately have the better goalscoring finish unlike Italy who have been quite wasteful throughout the tournament, but the Italians will surely learn from this experience which will hopefully benefit them moving forward.

Prediction: England 2-1 Italy

Result: England 2-1 (AET) Italy