Norway and Italy lock horns in Geneva on Wednesday evening for a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Euros. Both sides have impressively navigated their way through tough groups and will each fancy their chances of booking their place in the semi-finals.
Norway progressed as Group A winners, maintaining a perfect record with victories over Switzerland (2-1), Finland (2-1) and Iceland (4-3). Their group stage performances have been characterised by an ability to swing close, tight matches in their favour, with all of their games won by narrow margins. Signe Gaupset and Frida Maanum have both been influential going forward for the Norwegians, contributing four goals and two assists between them, while Tuva Hansen has been a rock at the back. Head coach Gemma Grainger has rotated her squad effectively, with only Hansen and goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand playing maximum minutes, giving Norway fresh legs for the knockout phase. However, left-back Marit Lund is suspended after her late red card against Iceland.
Italy, runners-up in Group B, have taken a more pragmatic approach in what was a very tough group. Andrea Soncin’s team edged Belgium 1-0, drew 1-1 with Portugal and lost 3-1 to Spain in a very tough run of fixtures. The Azzurre have scored in every match but managed just one clean sheet, with midfielder Arianna Caruso the standout performer for Soncin's side so far. Italy’s team spirit has been central to their progress, and Soncin has a full squad available for selection.
With both teams looking impressive in parts but imperfect in others, a closely fought encounter is expected. These two sides met twice in qualifying for this competition and both games ended in a draw, so don't be surprised if this game leads to extra time. Norway have edged this fixture previously, winning two (to Italy's one) of the five historical head-to-head meetings between the two teams, but as of last month, Italy are ranked three places higher (13th vs. 16th). All in all, we think Italy are more battle-tested against elite opposition and have the edge in player quality, and ultimately, that'll be enough to see them get the job done.
Norway 1-2 Italy (a.e.t)
