If you were watching the Italy vs England Euro 2025 semi-final in Geneva, you probably still haven't caught your breath.
Honestly, for about 95 minutes, it looked like the reigning champions were headed home. The mood in the Stade de Genève was weird—industrial, tense, and decidedly un-English. Then, the 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang happened.
Football is funny like that. You can dominate possession, look "lethargic" (Sarina Wiegman’s words, not mine), and still find a way to break hearts in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Italy played the game of their lives, defending like their lives depended on every block, only to see it evaporate in a chaotic rebound from a Chloe Kelly penalty. It was a classic "smash and grab" that has become the trademark of this England era.
The Night the Azzurre Almost Shocked the World
Italy came into this match as the clear underdogs. Ranked eight places below England, nobody expected them to dictate terms. But manager Andrea Soncin had a plan that worked almost to perfection. They weren't just sitting back; they were incisive.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute. Sofia Cantore, who is basically a nightmare for defenders on the flank, beat Alex Greenwood to the byline. A quick ball across, a slight graze off Lucy Bronze’s thigh, and there was Barbara Bonansea to smash it into the roof of the net.
The Italian bench went absolutely wild.
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They had every right to. This was Italy’s first semi-final since 1997. For a good hour after that goal, they looked like the more organized side. England’s attack felt disjointed. Lauren James was struggling with an injury—later seen with ice on her foot—and Alessia Russo was finding zero space between the Italian center-backs. It felt like one of those nights where the ball just wouldn't go in.
Why Italy vs England Euro 2025 Turned on a Dime
Wiegman is known for her "ice-cold" decision-making, and she proved it again here. She didn't panic, but she did change everything. Bringing on Beth Mead for James at halftime was the first move. Then came the gamble: taking off the captain Leah Williamson and the reliable Russo for two teenagers, Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
It was bold. Some might say desperate.
But Agyemang, whose name literally translates to "saviour of a nation," lived up to the billing. In the 96th minute, with the Italian fans already starting their "Olé" chants, she latched onto a loose ball in a crowded box. One touch. One clinical finish.
1-1.
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The momentum shift was physical. You could feel it in the stadium. Italy, who had lost their talismanic captain Cristiana Girelli to a hamstring injury earlier in the second half, looked spent. They had given everything, and now they had to play 30 more minutes against a team that suddenly felt invincible.
The Extra Time Drama Nobody Wants to Replay
Extra time was, frankly, a bit of a slog until the very end. England hit the crossbar twice. Agyemang almost scored an "Olimpico" from a corner. It felt destined for penalties—until Emma Severini’s challenge on Beth Mead.
The referee, Ivana Martinčić, pointed to the spot.
Italy's players were furious. Honestly? It was soft. In a semi-final, in the 117th minute, those calls usually go the other way. But the decision stood. Chloe Kelly stepped up. Her initial penalty was actually saved by Laura Giuliani, who had been brilliant all night. But the rebound fell perfectly. Kelly didn't miss twice.
Key Takeaways from the Match
If you're looking for the tactical "why" behind the result, it comes down to depth and resilience. Italy had a better starting XI plan, but England had a better 120-minute squad.
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- England's Bench is Ridiculous: Agyemang and Kelly both came off the bench to score. When you can sub out world-class talent for hungry, fast teenagers, you're always in the game.
- Italy’s Renaissance: Despite the loss, this tournament proved Italy is a force again. They hadn't reached this stage in nearly 30 years. Soncin has built a team that is "fearless," and they nearly ended the holders' reign.
- The Luck Factor: You can't ignore the "soft" penalty or the late equalizer. England has a knack for "stumbling" into results when they aren't at their best.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
England moves on to the final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel to face either Spain or Germany. It’s their third successive major final, a feat that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, regardless of how "lucky" people think they are.
For Italy, the goal is now the World Cup cycle. They’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe with the elite. If they can find a way to maintain that defensive structure while adding a bit more clinical finishing, they'll be a dark horse for 2027.
If you’re following the rest of the tournament, keep an eye on the injury reports for England. Lauren James and Leah Williamson both looked like they were carrying knocks by the end of the night. In a final against the likes of Aitana Bonmatí or Alexandra Popp, those margins will matter.
Check the official UEFA highlights for a look at that Agyemang equalizer—it’s a masterclass in staying calm when the world is screaming at you to just kick the ball.
Actionable Insights:
If you're analyzing this match for your own team or just for casual debate, focus on the substitute timing. Wiegman waited until the 85th minute to make the Agyemang/Beever-Jones double swap. It was high-risk, high-reward coaching that disrupted Italy's settled defensive block at the exact moment their fatigue peaked. Study the Italian defensive shape in the first 60 minutes; it's a perfect example of a 5-4-1 low block that successfully nullifies elite wing play.