England Women manager, Sarina Wiegman felt “relief” at the Lionesses’ extra-time comeback to beat Italy in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final.
Chloe Kelly scored the 119th-minute winner on the rebound after Laura Giulliani blocked her penalty following Emma Severini’s foul on Beth Mead.
England however had stared the end of their title defence down a barrel after Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead in the 33rd minute, before substitute, Michelle Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of injury time to restore parity.
Wiegman post match spoke to ITV in which she revealed that she simply felt relieved at the comeback more than anything, having thumped Italy 5-1 in a friendly in February 2024 in their last meeting before stuttering through the semi-final clash.
“To be honest, I feel relief, when you score so late in normal time and then late in the second half of extra time.
“Coming from behind against Italy, you have a problem. And we had some serious challenges over this game.”
Wiegman also reflected on the performance as she criticised the team for their lack of first-half energy before improved second half, but complimented Italy for their defensive play.
“I think the first half we didn’t play well, we didn’t have the energy in the game.
“In the second half we did better, but of course they defended really well, too, so when we were in the final third, there wasn’t much space and there were lots of blocks.
“In front of the goal they were really aggressive and winning lots of duels. I am happy of course and even happier now that we have gone into the final.”
Considering that Kelly and Agyemang had again come off the bench to rescue England’s title defence like they did against Sweden in the Quarter-Finals, Wiegman admitted that Kelly “thrives” as an impact substitute whilst Agyemang is proving her “talent” amidst a never-die attitude.
“Chloe thrives in these moments. She is excited about it and you can tell.
“Michelle – what a talent. When she hit the crossbar [in extra time] was a very good action too.”
“We never give up. We say we can win by any means. Against Sweden, with the penalty shoot-out, we were a bit lucky that they missed. Tonight we were going for that goal but it gave us something, too.
“This team just keeps going.”
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