Girelli's lucky punch: Italy reaches the European Championship semi-finals for the first time since 1997

Pure ecstasy for the Italians after Cristiana Girelli (#10) scored the 2-1. Picture alliance/KEYSTONE

On Wednesday, the first semifinal spot at the European Championship was at stake in Geneva. The captains of both teams returned to the starting lineup, as compared to the previous group matches. Hegerberg, who is under fire in her home country, replaced Terland after the 4-3 win against Iceland – one of five changes – and Girelli replaced Piemonte – one of three substitutions – after the 1-3 defeat to Spain .

The latter was significantly more active in their core area, the attack. The Italians were the more active team from the start. They attempted to break down the waiting Norwegians with diagonal balls in the early stages and immediately pressed after losing possession. Caruso's first chance (8th minute) came from a high ball recovery. However, she missed the target, as did Severini and Girelli, who both interfered with each other's header (19th minute).

For this reason, Fiskerstrand's first serious intervention came two minutes after the miscommunication, when she was able to stop Severini after a fine Italian attack (21'). It was the only time in the first half in which the goalkeeper had to excel, as the Italian pressure diminished over time. Although the Scandinavians didn't really play with any greater determination, they could have punished them. Hegerberg (36') and Gaupset – she tried to outwit Giuliani from the halfway line (45') – both missed the chance to make it 1-0, so the teams went into the dressing room goalless.

But it didn't last long. Italy started aggressively again, but this time they were rewarded: Girelli saved Bonansea's cross (53'). Le Azzurre seemingly struck twice, but Cantore's goal was ruled out due to Caruso's offside position (53').

Out of nowhere, Norway then had a great chance to equalize from the penalty spot. But just like in the opening match against Switzerland, Hegerberg, who had been brought down by Linari, shot wide from eleven meters (60'). The 30-year-old was undeterred, however: Just six minutes later, she poked the ball past a too-timid Giuliani and into the net.

The equalizer gave the Scandinavians confidence. They dominated the game from then on, but posed little threat. Just as everything pointed toward extra time, Italy struck again – through whom? Girelli, of course. The striker broke away from Reiten and then, with the help of the crossbar, sent her country into raptures with a header (90').