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 crew 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 did not qualify for 4 successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015 and have flown underneath the radar in Switzerland to achieve a primary European semi-final since 1997.
Progressing behind Spain in Group B they have 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 objectives within the 2-1 victory with the essential successful aim a dramatic stoppage-time header.
Former England defender Anita Asante stated it was “particular” for a “senior veteran within the crew” 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 stated.
What the pundits stated: Houghton stated defending champions England would have to be “aware” of Italy’s underdog standing.
“Knocking out Norway, who have been larger ranked than them, that most likely was not the expectation from the surface,” she stated.
“They’ve expertise of their crew. They’ve some threats, particularly in vast 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.
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