Italy reaches the Women's Euro semi-finals for the first time since 1997

Italy eliminated Norway 2-1 and secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women's European Championship.

It was against Italy that Portugal picked up their only point in this European Championship, on the second day, but the Italian side are still in the competition and are already one of the big surprises.

Girelli opened the scoring in the 50th minute, with a slight deflection from Cantore's cross-shot from the right.

Ada Hegerberg missed a penalty for Norway in the 60th minute, but it was the experienced OL Lyonnes forward who equalized in the 66th minute. A long pass from Mjelde and a calm finish from the striker.

However, Italy delivered the final blow in the 90th minute and with the same protagonist: Cristiana Girelli.

The 35-year-old Juventus forward appeared at the far post after a fantastic cross from Cantore and finished with a header for the winning goal.

Italy hadn't made it this far in the competition since Euro 1997. In that edition, they were runners-up to Germany.

Norway, European champions in 1987 and 1993, continue their poor performances in the European Championship. In 2022 and 2017, they were eliminated in the group stage and now they're stuck in the quarterfinals.

In the semi-finals, Italy awaits the team that wins the duel between Sweden and England.