Italy qualifies for Euro 2025 quarter-finals despite Spain's victory

Italy has made history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 for the first time, marking a significant achievement for a national team that has faced ups and downs throughout its history. The decisive match took place against Spain, the world champions, where Italy showed resilience despite ultimately losing 1-3 in a game filled with dynamic play and near misses. The Italians took the lead early, showcasing their attacking prowess as Elisabetta Oliviero scored. Spain quickly equalized through Athenea, demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure. Despite conceding further goals, Italy put up a commendable fight, controlling parts of the game and keeping Spain on their toes, particularly in a ten-minute stretch where they dominated possession and threatened the Spanish goal with notable efforts. In the context of the tournament, Spain continues to stand as the team to beat, extending their winning streak, whereas Italy’s advancement adds depth to the competition. Italy's journey through Group B culminated in this tense encounter where they managed to demonstrate their potential against a seasoned and formidable opponent. They now look ahead to their quarter-final clash against Norway, wherein they will aim to capitalize on their newfound momentum and build on their performance against Spain. Meanwhile, Spain prepares to face Switzerland, the host nation, in another high-stakes match. The results thus far have solidified Spain's status as favorites, but Italy's impressive display suggests they could be dark horses in the tournament as they exhibit the quality and determination necessary to challenge stronger teams. On the other side of the draw, England also progressed as runners-up in Group D, setting up a rematch against Sweden. The competitive nature of this tournament has been highlighted by the bitter rivalries that date back to previous championships, and the expectations are high for teams like England and Sweden to deliver thrilling performances. Italy, now with a clean slate in the knockout stage, has the chance to further their historic run and create a lasting legacy in women's football. With their strengths in central areas and talented players like Arianna Caruso and Manuela Giugliano, the Italians hope to disrupt expectations in the impending matches, while Spain remains a benchmark for excellence that they aspire to reach in the future.