Reigning, defending champions England needed another dramatic comeback against Italy in the Women’s EURO 2025 semifinals on Tuesday, and Michelle Agyemang delivered another late equalizer before the Lionesses won it from the penalty spot (kind of).
MORE — EURO 2025 schedule, scores
Italy jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute when Barbara Bonansea slammed the ball into the top of Hannah Hampton’s net from just inside the six-yard box. It was only Italy’s second shot of the game, but it oh so nearly put them in the final for the first time since 1997 (runners-up, to Germany). Even still, 1997 was their last trip to the semis (and the knockout rounds) since 2013 — in that sense, a successful tournament for Le Azzurre.
In every other sense, a devastating heart-breaker.
The score remained 1-0 past halftime, past the hour mark and well past 90:00 on the clock. But just as time ticked over into the 6th minute (of 7) of stoppage, disaster struck in front of Italy’s goal. Goalkeeper Laura Giuliani couldn’t hold onto a wayward cross when it found her just off her goal line. The ball fell straight to Agyemang, who also pulled England level with Sweden in the quarterfinals, and she made no mistake with a composed finish between Giuliani’s legs.
What transpired at the end of extra-time was even more painful for Italy, as referee Ivana Martincic whistled for a foul near the penalty spot. England striker Beth Mead ended up on the ground with Italian midfielder Emma Severini tumbling over top of her. The two locked one another up as the ball was crossed high into the air, seemingly in a spot where Mead had no chance of winning the ball, but Martincic decided there was enough contact to decide the semifinal from 12 yards out.
In fact, it was actually an effort from five yards out that won it for England after Chloe Kelly was denied by Giuliani on the ensuing penalty. Ball don’t lie, briefly. Again, Giuliani couldn’t hold it, and again it fell to someone in a dark blue shirt. Kelly turned the rebound home and kept alive England’s dream of becoming just the second nation to ever retain the Women’s European Championship (Germany, six times in a row from 1995-2013). England will play either Spain or Germany (Wednesday, 3 pm ET) in the final on Sunday (12 pm ET).
Player ratings - England vs Italy
England vs Italy live updates - by Andy Edwards
England vs Italy final score: 2-1
Goalscorers: Barbara Bonansea (33'), Michelle Agyemang (90'+6), Chloe Kelly (119')
PENALTY! GOAL! England 2-1 Italy: Kelly puts home the rebound after a questionable call (119')
PENALTY AWARDED TO ENGLAND IN ET! 😱🏴 pic.twitter.com/bQ56AaaQQp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2025
ENGLAND TAKES THE LEAD IN EXTRA TIME!! 😱🏴
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2025
The penalty is saved but England scores anyway! pic.twitter.com/n2DyWbhwV1
GOAL! England 1-1 Italy: Agyemang scores the stoppage-time equalizer (90'+6)
ENGLAND DRAWS LEVEL IN STOPPAGE TIME! 🏴
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2025
Michelle Agyemang with more heroics for the Lionesses! 👏 pic.twitter.com/oOR0FzrrHO
GOAL! England 0-1 Italy: Bonansea slams home at the back post (33')
OH MY GOODNESS!! 😱
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2025
ITALY TAKES THE LEAD OVER ENGLAND in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 semis! 🇮🇹
Barbara Bonansea with the goal 🤌 pic.twitter.com/o3yOq1idXV
England starting lineup
Hampton - Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood - Walsh, Stanway, Toone - James, Hemp, Russo
Italy starting lineup
Giuliani - Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, Di Guglielmo - Giugliano, Bonansea, Caruso - Oliviero, Cantore, Girelli
How to watch England vs Italy live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET, Tuesday
How to watch, TV channel: Fox Sports
Sarina Wiegman’s England made it through to the final four after an epic, almighty scrap with Sweden in the quarterfinals, as the Lionesses won 3-2 on penalty kicks. They had trailed 2-0 in the first half but launched an incredible comeback late in the second half to take the game to extra time, as the reigning champs eventually won on penalty kicks as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero. England have been far from their best so far in this tournament but they’ve done enough to make it to the semifinals and are the favorites to advance.
Italy have absolutely nothing to lose and Andrea Soncin’s side have made it to this stage of the competition for the first time since 1997. They upset Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals and the Italians are direct, tough to play against and will have no problem with sitting deep and then looking to hit England on the counter. Everybody expects England to advance but Italy are dangerous.
England focus, team news
Sarina Wiegman will be hoping for a straightforward victory for England after the rollercoaster of emotions the quarterfinal against Sweden delivered. Captain and star center back Leah Williamson should be fit after an ankle injury, while Wiegman has some huge calls to make in attack. Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang had a massive impact off the bench against Sweden and are pushing for starts. Will Wiegman go for it and start Agyemang up top with Alessia Russo from the start?
Italy focus, team news
The Italians have scored first in all of their games at this tournament and that has been key on this dream run to the semifinals. Veteran Cristiana Girelli scored twice to lead the Azzurre to an unexpected win against Norway and Italy’s star striker and captain holds the key to their hopes. They were beaten 3-1 by fellow semifinalists Spain in the group stage but Italy have shown they can hang in there in games against the top teams. If they score early against an England side which has struggled defensively in this tournament, the shock is well and truly on.
England vs Italy prediction
This will be a lot closer than most predict, but England’s quality in attack will be too much for Italy to handle. It could go to extra time, but England will advance. Just. England 2-1 Italy.
