Italy’s Rising Threat: Can the Lionesses Tame the Azzurre in Euro 2025?

Italy’s Rising Threat Can the Lionesses Tame the Azzurre in Euro 2025

Italy’s Rising Threat: Can the Lionesses Tame the Azzurre in Euro 2025?

So, here we are. England are just one step away from a third consecutive major tournament final, and the only thing standing in their way is a resurgent Italian side, buzzing with belief and momentum. On paper, you’d say the Lionesses are favourites – and rightly so. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from tournament football, it’s that the paper means nothing when the whistle blows.

Italy have come into this UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final riding high on history and heart. They haven’t reached this stage in nearly three decades – not since 1997 – but now they’ve clawed their way here with grit, late goals, and a touch of magic from their captain, Cristiana Girelli. At 35, she’s not just defying age; she’s defining this tournament. Two goals in the quarter-final win over Norway – including a dramatic stoppage-time header – have made her a player England cannot ignore.

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Let’s be clear: Italy are not just here to make up the numbers. They finished second in a tough group behind Spain and then out-fought Norway in a game that could’ve gone either way. They play wide, they play with pace, and they stretch defences. That could spell trouble for England, especially with the full-backs potentially pinned deep and the memory of defensive lapses against Sweden and France still fresh.

England, of course, have their own firepower – Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo have been sharp – but they had to dig deep against Sweden, needing extra time and penalties. There’s also concern over captain Leah Williamson, who limped off and is in doubt for Tuesday’s clash in Geneva. That kind of disruption, this late in the tournament, can have a real impact.

Let’s not forget, the Azzurre are carrying more than tactics into this match. They’re representing years of growth in Italian women’s football – a sport that only recently turned fully professional. The ghosts of Morace and Panico – two of Italy’s greatest ever – linger as inspiration, not pressure. This new generation, led by Girelli and supported by talents like Sofia Cantore and midfield creator Manuela Giugliano, is writing a fresh chapter.

Sure, Italy looked tired late on against Norway. Four intense matches are starting to take a toll – and England will look to exploit that. But belief, energy, and the hunger of a team with nothing to lose can be a dangerous thing. You could see it in their celebrations. For Italy, this isn’t just another game – it’s their shot at history.

So the question remains: can England’s experience, depth, and tactical prowess outlast the raw emotion and attacking intensity of Italy? Or will the Azzurre pull off the upset and make their first final since the '90s? Whatever happens, one thing’s certain – Tuesday night in Geneva is going to be electric.

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