Women’s European Championships 2025: England-Italy, the likely lineups
For the first time since 1997 (where it reached the final, later losing to Germany), Italy is among the semifinalists in the women’s European soccer championships, a result that certifies the good work done by technical commissioner Andrea Soncin and the girls he selected for the continental event. However, the opponent to whom the Azzurre will contend for a place in the finals is definitely tough: it’s England, the reigning European champions as well as vice-world champions.
Buoyed by a group of female players committed to the prestigious English Women’s Super League (the only exceptions being Georgia Stanway of Bayern Munich, Anna Moorhouse of the Orlando Pride, Esme Morgan of the Washington Spirit and Jess Carter of Gotham), the girls led by Sarina Wiegman are aiming to confirm themselves on the continental throne, buoyed in part by the resounding comeback in the quarters (from 0-2 with 12′ left to 2-2, before winning on penalties) against Sweden. The scheme will be an offensive 4-3-3, with James, Russo and Hemp up front.
Italy is banking heavily on the’enthusiasm of a solid and compact group, led on the field by veteran Cristiana Girelli, who wants to confirm her scoring streak after the goal scored against Portugal in the group stage and, above all, the double against Norway (with second goal scored in the 90′) which led the Azzurre to the semifinals. Alongside her on the offensive front are Cantore and Bonansea.
Probable lineups
INGHILTERRA (4-3-3): Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp. All. Wiegman
ITALY (3-4-3): Giuliani; Di Guglielmo, Salvai, Linari; Oliviero, Giugliano, Caruso, Greggi; Cantore, Girelli, Bonansea. All. Soncin
