Italian heartbreak after defeat to England: 'It wasn't meant to be'

Italian captain Cristiana Girelli broke into tears as she had to face the cameras after the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to England in the women's Euro 2025 semi-finals on Tuesday.

"Of course we wanted this final because it would have been something unbelievable, something extraordinary. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Football gives, football takes," she said.

Girelli was Italy's quarter-finals hero, scoring the two goals in the 2-1 win against two-time champions Norway. The win marked the first time Italy reached the semi-finals since 1997 - after failing to advance into the knock-outs at the last two editions.

They were just a few minutes away from booking a spot in the final thanks to a 1-0 lead from Barbara Bonansea's goal.

But England substitute Michelle Agyemang levelled six minutes into injury time and Chloe Kelly scored late in extra-time to help England move closer to retaining their European championship title.

"We were 90 seconds away from the dream. The real frustration comes from knowing we played on the same level as the reigning champions. It really hurts," Italy defender Elena Linari told broadcaster RAI.

Midfielder Manuele Giugliano, meanwhile, said that "England didn't deserve to win."

"We gave everything and I don’t think we have any regrets. I believe we truly showed the real Italy – a team who wanted to reach the final and achieve something important."

Italy coach Andrea Soncin said that the defeat was "bitter" and "painful" but praised his players.

"Before the tournament people said we could not get past the group stage but in the end we were one minute from the final. The players deserved a better ending but sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. There is pride amid this bitter defeat. This hurts but you have to be proud," he said.