Italy progress despite defeat
Italy 1 - 3 Spain
Esther González continued her impressive form with her fourth goal of Euro 2025 as Spain edged past Italy to maintain their perfect record
Author | Ajay
Stadium | Stadion Wankdorf
Despite the defeat, Italy progressed to the quarter-finals as group runners-up after Portugal slipped to a surprise defeat against already-eliminated Belgium in Friday’s other Group B fixture.
A closer look at what happened
Italy made a spirited start in Salerno, unsettling the world champions early on. Captain Elena Linari rattled the crossbar with a thumping header before Elisabetta Oliviero struck a fierce left-footed shot beyond Adriana Nanclares to give Le Azzurre a deserved lead.
The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo cut through the Italian defence and exchanged passes with Alexia Putellas, who cleverly backheeled the return for Del Castillo to slam home the equaliser.
READ MORE | Spain 6 - 2 Belgium
READ MORE | What else has been happening at Euro 2025
Andrea Soncin’s side had chances to regain their lead before the break. Martina Piemonte failed to hit the target when through on goal, while Barbara Bonansea headed over from close range.
Italy kept their intensity high into the second half, but it was Spain who struck next. After another surging run by Del Castillo was stopped just outside the area, Patri Guijarro pounced on the loose ball and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to turn the match in Spain’s favour.
Nanclares was called into action once more to keep out a deflected effort from substitute Sofia Cantore, but Spain managed the closing stages with poise and composure.
González sealed the win in stoppage time, reacting quickest to another precise delivery from Putellas and bundling the ball in from close range.
Despite the defeat, Italy players and fans celebrated joining Spain in leaving behind Group B for a place in the knockouts, while Portugal join Belgium in heading for the departures lounge.
Spain now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash against tournament hosts Switzerland.
Italy will face Norway as the knockout stage begins to take shape. The Italians will be happy they've progressed but will need to improve on this performance if they are to win the competition.
