Despite leading until just a minute before the final whistle, Italy’s dream was shattered—while England’s never-say-die spirit carried them into the final.
“Just one minute… we were only a minute away from touching the dream…” lamented Italy’s coach Andrea Soncin after the match. His words capture the story of England’s resilience and glory. Even when so close to defeat, England turned the game around like a fairy tale and secured a memorable victory to reach the final.
In the first Women’s Euro semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday, England defeated Italy 2-1.
Italy took the lead in the 33rd minute through Bonansea and held that advantage through 90 minutes plus five added minutes. But disaster struck after that—substitute Michelle Agémang scored in the 96th minute to level the match for England.
Then, just before the end of extra time, another substitute, Chloe Kelly, netted the winning goal, delivering a dramatic victory for England.
This marks the third consecutive major final for the English women’s team. They won the Euro in 2022 and reached the World Cup final last year before losing to Spain.
Italy had been chasing their first Euro final appearance in 28 years. Despite coming so close, heartbreak awaited them.
Italy had won their quarter-final against Norway with a last-minute goal and carried that confidence into the semi-final’s first half, showing strong football. Juventus veteran Bonansea’s goal put them ahead.
England took control in the second half but struggled to find the net. Just when time was running out, 19-year-old Agémang became their savior with a crucial goal.
Her strike sent the match into extra time. Agémang came close again with a shot that hit the crossbar. Then the drama unfolded—England earned a penalty. Although Italy’s goalkeeper saved Chloe Kelly’s initial attempt, Kelly raced onto the rebound and scored, sealing the win for England.
The second semi-final on Wednesday will see Euro’s most successful team, eight-time champions Germany, face current world champions Spain.
