Goals scored: Five Goals conceded: Five Wins: Three Best Euros performance: Runners-up, 1993 and 1997
Chance of winning Euro 2025 (Opta): 8.9%
Italy are the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament at 13th in the Fifa rankings, but after their impressive performance against Norway in the last eight it would be foolish to underestimate them.
They failed to qualify for four successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015 and have flown under the radar in Switzerland to reach a first European semi-final since 1997.
Progressing behind Spain in Group B they were the underdogs heading into the quarter-final against two-time European champions Norway, but they impressed with their pace, control in possession and natural width.
Key player: Captain Cristiana Girelli scored both goals in the 2-1 victory with the crucial winning goal a dramatic stoppage-time header.
Former England defender Anita Asante said it was “special” for a “senior veteran in the team” to deliver in that moment.
“They’re reflecting the growth of Italian women’s football. Italy found a bit of quality when it really mattered and capitalised,” she said.
What the pundits said: Houghton said defending champions England would need to be “mindful” of Italy’s underdog status.
“Knocking out Norway, who were higher ranked than them, that probably was not the expectation from the outside,” she said.
“They have experience in their team. They have some threats, especially in wide areas, and really good midfielders.
“This is monumental for them. They’ve made another historic progression so they’re going to be well up for it.”
Standout stat: At the age of 35 years and 84 days, Girelli became the oldest player to score more than once for a European nation in a single match at a major tournament.
