England Stun Italy With Extra-Time Winner to Reach Women’s Euro Final
England advanced to the UEFA Women’s Euro final after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy on Tuesday, July 22. The Lionesses came from behind, equalizing late in regular time before sealing the win with a last-gasp goal in the second half of extra time.
With the triumph, England now stand one win away from defending their Women’s Euro title, and await the outcome of Wednesday’s semifinal between Spain and Germany.
Italy Strike First, but England Hold Nerve
England entered the match at St. Jakob-Park as favorites, looking to dominate possession and impose their game early. Forward Lauren James threatened Italy’s goal in the opening minutes, but it was the Azzurre who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse.
In the 33rd minute, Barbara Bonansea opened the scoring for Italy, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after a cross from the right flank slipped through England’s back line.
Despite pressure from England, Italy held firm, maintaining their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Agyemang Levels as England Force Extra Time
The Lionesses made key adjustments in the second half, including bringing on Beth Mead to inject more pace and width. England ramped up their attacking intensity, while Italy absorbed pressure and launched occasional counterattacks.
The equalizer came in the 51st minute. After a dangerous cross into the box, Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani could only parry the ball into the path of England’s young star Agyemang, who calmly slotted home to bring the score level at 1-1 and force extra time.
Chloe Kelly the Hero Again in Extra Time
With the match dragging deep into extra time and both sides physically drained, it was England who dug deepest. In the 111th minute, the referee pointed to the spot after a foul in the Italian box, giving the Lionesses a golden opportunity.
Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the penalty but saw her effort saved by Giuliani. However, Kelly reacted fastest to the rebound, smashing the ball into the net and sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win for England.
The goal marks another clutch moment for Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the 2022 Euro final.
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Final Showdown Set for Sunday
England now turn their attention to the final, which will take place on Sunday, July 27, at 1:00 PM (Brasília time) / 6:00 PM CEST, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
The Lionesses will face the winner of the semifinal between Spain and Germany, to be played on Wednesday (July 23) at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) / 9:00 PM CEST.
