England are one game away from a second successive Euros final. Standing in their way are Italy, who are making their first semifinal appearance since 1997.
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Both sides reached the final four with dramatic wins in the quarterfinal. England overcame Sweden in a bizarre penalty shootout after finding themselves 2-0 down inside half an hour.
The defending champions didn't give in though and late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang took them to extra-time and eventually penalties. A crucial conversion from Chloe Kelly and the goalkeeping brilliance of Hannah Hampton kept England in the shootout before an emphatic finish from Bronze and a miss from Smilla Holmberg saw the Lionesses through.
Captain Leah Williamson was forced off in extra-time after appearing to turn her ankle, there were fears she would miss the semifinal but boss Sarina Wiegman has since said that she is fit to play on Tuesday in a massive boost for the Lionesses.
On the other hand, Italy got it done in the 90, but only just. They beat Norway with a 90th minute winner from 122-cap veteran Cristiana Girelli -- who likely in her final major tournament for her country -- took Italy through with a brace on the night.
For Italy, Tuesday night is a chance to do what a generation of teams before them have failed to do, reach a European Championship final. For Sarina Wiegman and England, Italy are just another side that stand between them and defending their European crown.
The semifinal could be of similarly epic proportions. Here's everything you need to know about Tuesday's clash.
Key Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 21 at 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET)
Venue: Stade de Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Referee: Ivana Martinčić
VAR: Dennis Higler
Road to the semis:
After losing their tournament opener to France, England got their Euros campaign back on track with resounding wins over Netherlands and Wales. Finishing runners-up in Group D earned them a quarterfinal meeting with Sweden.
Sarina Wiegman's side looked headed for an exit at the 78-minute mark of the quarterfinal, as they faced a 2-0 deficit. But two goals in the space of two minutes forced the game into extra-time, before the Lionesses held their nerve in the ensuing penalty shootout to book their place in the semifinal.
Italy's path to the final four hasn't been short of drama either. They squeezed into the knockout stages for the first time since 2013 after taking four points from a tricky group with Spain, Portugal and Belgium. Le Azzurre went into their quarterfinal against Norway as underdogs but came away with a stunning 2-1 win courtesy of a 90th-minute winner from Girelli.
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Opposition player to watch:
Italy captain Cristiana Girelli has been central to their run to the semifinals. The Azzurre captain is the tournament's joint-second highest goalscorer with three goals, including two in the quarterfinal.
After her winner against Norway, Girelli became the oldest player to score a brace in a European Championship or World Cup. The 2022 Hall of Fame of Italian football inductee knows her name will be further etched in Italian sporting folklore if she can spearhead this side in to the final.
The 35-year-old Italian football icon is in the midst of an Indian summer in Switzerland. England's defence will have their work cut to ensure it doesn't extend beyond Tuesday.
Head-to-Head
Of their 32 meetings, Italy have won 14 and England 12. The Lionesses are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Italy, the last of which saw them win 5-1 in February 2024, after a 2-1 win in the Arnold Clark Cup 12 months earlier.
Best quotes:
"I say it with power because I really believe it. I believe that people like that don't deserve to be called fans."
- Georgia Stanway on those who sent racist abuse to teammate Jess Carter.
"We've prepared 100%, down to the smallest detail. We'll look to make the most of our strengths -- and take advantage of a few of England's weaknesses too."
- Italy defender Cecilia Salvai on her side's preparation.
"It would be really disrespectful to think we are the favourites. They made the semifinal just like we did and that's very impressive for any team. Complacency is the biggest mistake you could make."
- England boss Sarina Wiegman on facing Italy.
Meet the Lionesses:
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