England and Italy lock horns tonight in the Euro 2025 semi-final at Stade de Genève (kick-off 21:00 CET), with England looking to book their spot in the final and Italy playing their first semi since 1997.
England go into the game as reigning champions and heavy favourites, riding high after a dramatic comeback win over Sweden in the quarters and a strong friendly history against Italy.
Meanwhile, Italy, marshalled by veteran striker Cristiana Girelli, who has bagged three goals so far, are embracing their underdog status and aiming to strike early with their compact, counter-attacking style.
With England determined to avoid complacency and fresh solidarity in their squad following recent off-field challenges. Expect a high-stakes, emotionally charged clash that could go down to the wire.
England and Italy – Key information
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 20:00 BST (21:00 Central Europe, 15:00 ET)
Venue: Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
Where to watch:
UK: ITV1 / ITVX from 19:00 BST
ITALY: Rai Uno at 21:00 Central Europe
USA: FOX Sports / FOX Sports App
Canada: TSN; Disney+ carries full tournament coverage
Rivalry & History
Head-to-head: England unbeaten in their last 5 meetings (4 wins, 1 draw), including a 5–1 friendly victory in Feb 2024.
Tournament record: Italy have never lost to England at a Women’s Euros but last reached a semifinal in 1997.
Match stats: In 32 total meetings, all produced goals—and 30 saw multiple goals.
Journey to the Semi-Finals
England
Defending champions, unbeaten in 6 straight major semis.
Survived 25-minute deficit vs Sweden, ultimately winning via penalties.
Fitness boost: captain Leah Williamson back in full training after ankle injury; minor knocks to James, Bronze, Greenwood resolved.
Italy
Ranked 13th, Italy are in their first Euros semi-final since 1997.
Beat Norway 2–1 with a late Cristiana Girelli brace.
Opened scoring in all 4 matches, showing tactical discipline and counter-attacking flair.
Players to Watch
Lionesses
Italia
Leah Williamson (ENG) – Defensive commander returned to training; vital for stability.
Cristiana Girelli (ITA) – 35‑year‑old captain with 3 goals this tournament, including quarter-final brace.
Lucy Bronze (ENG) – Overloaded full-back, crucial in transition; most productive campaign yet.
Sofia Cantore (ITA) – Creative wing presence, setting up crucial goals.
Georgia Stanway (ENG) – Penalty specialist and midfield threat.
Manuela Giugliano (ITA) – Engine-room midfielder linking play and breaking press.
Chloe Kelly (ENG) – Super‑sub with high impact, dangerous in crosses.
Italia Defence – Compact and direct; challenge England’s buildup.
England and Italy’s tactical battles
England will push high-tempo, using full-backs like Bronze to overload flanks, while correcting long-ball and set-piece weaknesses seen against Sweden.
Italy will rely on firm defensive structure, early goals, and counter-attack potency—history shows they perform well early.
Key Storylines
Complacency vs Confidence: England hold the form and pedigree advantage, but Wiegman warns against underestimating spirited Italy.
Psychological Edge: England’s fightback from Sweden may give them mental edge; Italy’s Cinderella run adds momentum.
Injury Watch: All players appear fit and ready—will substitutions like Kelly shift the game’s momentum.
Prediction & Match Odds
England are heavy favourites given form and history.
Expect goals—betting markets suggest over 3.5 total goals and both teams scoring.
Potential scoreline: 2–1 England or 3–1 England, but Italy’s early goals could force tight contests.
Final Thought
This clash is more than a game – it’s a test of England’s resilience and Italy’s resurgence. Expect tactical discipline, bursts of attacking flair, and a match that could define European women’s football in 2025.
The winners of England and Italy are going to meet one of Germany and Spain who meet tomorrow.
