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PIX: Girelli brace takes Italy past Norway to Euro semis

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Cristiana Girelli scores at the fag end of the match to put Italy into the last four of the European Championship for the first time since 1997. 

Cristiana Girelli scores Italy's second goal in the women's Euro 2025 quarter-final against Norway at Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Cristiana Girelli scores Italy's second goal in the women's Euro 2025 quarter-final against Norway at Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters

Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 on Wednesday to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Women's European Championship for the first time since 1997.  

Italy started well but were on the ropes after Norway captain Ada Hegerberg cancelled out their opening goal, but Girelli, who had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, was not to be denied and netted the winner to send thousands of blue-clad fans into ecstasy. 

 

Cristiana Girelli (No. 10) celebrates scoring Italy's second goal

IMAGE: Cristiana Girelli (No. 10) celebrates scoring Italy's second goal. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters

They will next face either reigning champions England or Sweden, who meet in Zurich on Thursday.  

Norway, who hadn't played a knockout game at the Euros since losing the 2013 final 1-0 to Germany, got off to a stuttering start, turning over the ball in midfield and allowing Arianna Caruso to fire a shot just wide.

The Italians racked up several decent goal-scoring chances in the second half, but it was Norway's 20-year-old winger Signe Gaupset who went closest to breaking the deadlock before the break with an audacious lob from just inside the Italian half. 

Ada Hegerberg scores Norway's first goal past Italy's goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.

IMAGE: Ada Hegerberg scores Norway's first goal past Italy's goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

The Italians took the lead five minutes into the second half, Girelli getting the slightest of touches on Sofia Cantore's ball into the box to steer it home, and they had the ball in the net again three minutes later only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. 

Cristiana Girelli scores Italy's first goal past Norway's goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand.

IMAGE: Cristiana Girelli scores Italy's first goal past Norway's goalkeeper Cecilie Fiskerstrand. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters

Norway tried to make the most of the reprieve as captain Ada Hegerberg won a penalty a few minutes later, but for the second time at the tournament she sent her spot kick wide of the target, burying her head in her hands after her miss.

Italy's players celebrate after the final whistle.

IMAGE: Italy's players celebrate after the final whistle. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

She made amends in the 66th minute, levelling with a deft finish to silence the raucous Italian fans in the crowd.

Italy then struggled to find their previous fluency until Girelli ghosted in at the far post to head home in the final minute of normal time for a famous victory.