Objectives scored: 5 Objectives conceded: 5 Wins: Three Greatest Euros efficiency: Runners-up, 1993 and 1997
Likelihood of successful Euro 2025 (Opta): 8.9%
Italy are the lowest-ranked workforce left within the event at thirteenth within the Fifa rankings, however after their spectacular efficiency in opposition to Norway within the final eight it might be silly to underestimate them.
They didn’t qualify for 4 successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015 and have flown beneath the radar in Switzerland to achieve a primary European semi-final since 1997.
Progressing behind Spain in Group B they had been the underdogs heading into the quarter-final in opposition to two-time European champions Norway, however they impressed with their tempo, management in possession and pure width.
Key participant: Captain Cristiana Girelli scored each targets within the 2-1 victory with the essential successful purpose a dramatic stoppage-time header.
Former England defender Anita Asante mentioned it was “particular” for a “senior veteran within the workforce” to ship in that second.
“They’re reflecting the expansion of Italian ladies’s soccer. Italy discovered a little bit of high quality when it actually mattered and capitalised,” she mentioned.
What the pundits mentioned: Houghton mentioned defending champions England would must be “conscious” of Italy’s underdog standing.
“Knocking out Norway, who had been larger ranked than them, that most likely was not the expectation from the skin,” she mentioned.
“They’ve expertise of their workforce. They’ve some threats, particularly in huge areas, and actually good midfielders.
“That is monumental for them. They’ve made one other historic development so they are going to be effectively up for it.”
Standout stat: On the age of 35 years and 84 days, Girelli turned the oldest participant to attain greater than as soon as for a European nation in a single match at a serious event.
