Italy’s women’s football team, under head coach Andrea Soncin and captain Cristiana Girelli, is gearing up to face the reigning champions England in a highly anticipated semifinal match at the UEFA European Championships. This clash will take place on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, at the Stade de Genève in Switzerland, where the winner will earn a spot in the final against either Spain or Germany.
The Azzurre are looking to continue their dream run in the tournament after securing a thrilling victory against Norway. This marks their first semifinal appearance in nearly three decades, as they last reached this stage in 1995. However, they’ll face a tough opponent in England, the current world vice-champions and the 2022 continental title holders, who are eager to defend their championship.
Past encounters have seen Italy struggle against England, with a disappointing 5-1 loss in a friendly match. However, the Italian team is approaching this matchup with a renewed sense of determination. Coach Soncin acknowledged England’s high level of experience in significant tournaments but noted that they are not invincible. “We have a strong awareness of what we’re doing; we want to keep living our dream,” he expressed confidently.
The team will also rely on the impressive performance of Cristiana Girelli, who at 35 years old is enjoying a remarkable resurgence in her career, recently earning accolades for her two goals against Norway, which were celebrated by football legend Alessandro Del Piero.
Football fans can watch this thrilling semifinal live on Raiuno, starting at 21:00, and also stream it on Rai Play.
This encounter not only represents a significant opportunity for the Italian team to make history but also showcases the growing competitiveness of women’s football on the international stage. With their strong performances thus far, the Azzurre’s journey continues to inspire hope and excitement among their supporters.