Spain Beats Italy, Advances Undefeated at Euro 2025 \ TezzBuzz \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Spain rallied to defeat Italy 3-1 in a thrilling final group match at the 2025 Women’s European Championship. Despite the loss, Italy also advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years. Spain dominated the group stage, scoring a tournament-record 14 goals.
Tournament favorites Spain showcased their championship mettle with a 3-1 comeback victory over Italy in their final Women’s Euro 2025 group-stage match on Friday. The win not only secured Spain a perfect group stage record — a first in their Euro history — but also reinforced their dominance as they head into the knockout rounds. Despite the loss, Italy advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in over a decade, marking a significant milestone for their women’s program.
The match opened with unexpected drama as Italy took a surprising lead in the 10th minute. Defender Elisabetta Oliviero calmly finished from inside the box after a defensive error by Spain’s Mariona Caldenteywhose misjudged touch in her own area gifted Italy an opportunity. Moments earlier, Italian captain Line had rattled the crossbar with a powerful header — a signal that the Azzurre were not intimidated by Spain’s firepower.
Italy’s early aggression and well-organized pressing unsettled the Spanish defense, which had been rarely tested in previous matches. With 13 total shots on goal, the Italians posed a consistent threat and forced Spain to respond quickly.
Spain’s equalizer came just four minutes after falling behind, orchestrated and completed by Athenea del Castillo in her first start of the tournament. Known for her blistering pace and dribbling, Del Castillo slalomed through the Italian defense and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance that lifted Spain’s confidence and tilted the momentum.
Del Castillo continued her electric form into the second half. In the 49th minute, she delivered another signature run that ended in a loose ball falling to Patri Guijarrowho struck a composed low finish into the corner to make it 2-1. It was the beginning of the end for Italy’s resistance.
In stoppage time, Esther Gonzálezthe tournament’s leading scorer, struck her fourth goal to seal the result — capitalizing on Italy’s fatigue and solidifying her claim as one of the breakout stars of Euro 2025.
With a quarterfinal clash against host Switzerland looming, Spain head coach Montse Tomé made several key rotations. Star defenders Laia Aleixandri and See the Batle were rested to avoid suspension risk due to yellow cards, and key offensive players such as Vicky López, Clàudia Pinaand González began on the bench.
The changes not only preserved legs for the knockout rounds but also showcased Spain’s depth. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí returned to the starting XI for the first time after recovering from viral meningitis. Her quiet yet effective presence helped steady the midfield and link up with Del Castillo, Guijarro, and Alexia Putellaswho notched her third assist of the tournament with a slick back-heel to set up the opening goal.
post-match resilience:
With 3 wins and 14 goals scored (including 5 against Portugal and 6 against Belgium), Spain tied England’s 2022 record for most goals in the group stage of a Women’s European Championship. England went on to lift the trophy — a sign Spain will be hoping to replicate.
Spain’s attacking efficiency, versatility, and control in possession make them the team to beat. However, their brief defensive lapses, as seen in Italy’s goal and several close chances, indicate vulnerabilities that stronger quarterfinal opponents may try to exploit.
Despite the loss, Italy progressed to the quarterfinals for the first time since Euro 2013 — thanks to earlier results and Portugal’s 2-1 loss to Belgium. The Azzurre finished second in the group, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Norway in Geneva.
Veteran goalkeeper Laura Giuliani celebrated her 100th capmarking the occasion with pride despite the result:
Italy’s blend of experience and youth, led by Giuliani and Linari, could make them a dark horse in the next round. However, the team will need to tighten its defense and find more consistent offensive production if they are to compete with Norway’s dynamic attack.
Spain enters the knockout phase as the highest-scoring side of the tournament, while Italy arrives with a renewed sense of belief and the weight of history off their shoulders.
If Del Castillo, González, and Bonmatí continue to find rhythm, Spain could very well march toward their first European title.
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