Teen sensation Michelle Agyemang kept England’s title hopes alive by coming off the bench to net a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute.
Then, with just a minute remaining in extra time, fellow substitute Chloe Kelly sealed the win by smashing in the rebound from her saved penalty, sparking wild celebrations as England reached yet another final.
It was a pulsating conclusion to a tense evening in Switzerland, with Sarina Wiegman’s bench proving decisive yet again as her side refused to relinquish their crown.
Agyemang continued her dream tournament run, scoring her second goal – both from substitute appearances – by calmly finishing past Italian keeper Laura Giuliani.
Earlier, Italy had taken the lead through Barbara Bonansea in the first half, but Wiegman’s tactical changes and substitutions turned the game in England’s favour.
Now, Wiegman stands on the brink of a historic third consecutive European title as a manager, while England make their third straight appearance in a major final – taking a thrilling, roundabout path to get there.
The Lionesses will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Germany and world champions Spain in Basel on Sunday at 17:00 BST.
England’s Talking Points:
England seem to have nine lives. They clawed back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals, were dismissed after an opening defeat to France, and looked set to exit in the 95th minute against Italy.
But once again, their bench made the difference. Agyemang sparked the revival and Kelly, ever the big-game player, completed it.
Kelly, who also scored the decisive goal in the Euro 2022 final, proved her ability to deliver under pressure yet again. Agyemang, who only debuted in April, now boasts three goals in just four caps and is rapidly becoming a fan favourite.
England’s resilience and squad depth will be major discussion points ahead of the final, though they’ll know a tougher challenge awaits from either Spain or Germany – and they can’t afford another slow start.
Italy’s Talking Points:
Coming in as underdogs and ranked eight places below England, Italy were competing in their first semi-final since 1997.
Coach Andrea Soncin expressed belief in his team’s ability to challenge the best – and they came close.
Jubilation followed Bonansea’s opener, with the Italian bench celebrating wildly. But England’s substitutions and tactical tweaks eventually turned the tide.
Despite the heartbreak of conceding so late, Italy can take immense pride in their run – their best Euros campaign in 18 years.
Standout Performers:
Michelle Agyemang was the undisputed star, showing remarkable composure and confidence for a 19-year-old on such a big stage. Once a ball girl at Wembley, the Arsenal forward has now made a crucial impact in England’s march to the final.
Kelly again showed her big-game credentials, and defender Esme Morgan impressed after stepping in for Jess Carter.
Key Stats:
England will face either Spain or Germany in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday, 27 July at 17:00 BST.
Italy bow out after their most impressive Euros showing since 1997, leaving the tournament with pride despite a painful finish.
Then, with just a minute remaining in extra time, fellow substitute Chloe Kelly sealed the win by smashing in the rebound from her saved penalty, sparking wild celebrations as England reached yet another final.
It was a pulsating conclusion to a tense evening in Switzerland, with Sarina Wiegman’s bench proving decisive yet again as her side refused to relinquish their crown.
Agyemang continued her dream tournament run, scoring her second goal – both from substitute appearances – by calmly finishing past Italian keeper Laura Giuliani.
Earlier, Italy had taken the lead through Barbara Bonansea in the first half, but Wiegman’s tactical changes and substitutions turned the game in England’s favour.
Now, Wiegman stands on the brink of a historic third consecutive European title as a manager, while England make their third straight appearance in a major final – taking a thrilling, roundabout path to get there.
The Lionesses will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Germany and world champions Spain in Basel on Sunday at 17:00 BST.
England’s Talking Points:
England seem to have nine lives. They clawed back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals, were dismissed after an opening defeat to France, and looked set to exit in the 95th minute against Italy.
But once again, their bench made the difference. Agyemang sparked the revival and Kelly, ever the big-game player, completed it.
Kelly, who also scored the decisive goal in the Euro 2022 final, proved her ability to deliver under pressure yet again. Agyemang, who only debuted in April, now boasts three goals in just four caps and is rapidly becoming a fan favourite.
England’s resilience and squad depth will be major discussion points ahead of the final, though they’ll know a tougher challenge awaits from either Spain or Germany – and they can’t afford another slow start.
Italy’s Talking Points:
Coming in as underdogs and ranked eight places below England, Italy were competing in their first semi-final since 1997.
Coach Andrea Soncin expressed belief in his team’s ability to challenge the best – and they came close.
Jubilation followed Bonansea’s opener, with the Italian bench celebrating wildly. But England’s substitutions and tactical tweaks eventually turned the tide.
Despite the heartbreak of conceding so late, Italy can take immense pride in their run – their best Euros campaign in 18 years.
Standout Performers:
Michelle Agyemang was the undisputed star, showing remarkable composure and confidence for a 19-year-old on such a big stage. Once a ball girl at Wembley, the Arsenal forward has now made a crucial impact in England’s march to the final.
Kelly again showed her big-game credentials, and defender Esme Morgan impressed after stepping in for Jess Carter.
Key Stats:
- Agyemang is the first teenager since Cecilie Pedersen (Norway, 2009) to score twice in a single Euros tournament.
- Kelly's 119th-minute strike is the latest ever goal in a Women’s Euros.
- Lucy Bronze matched Jill Scott's record of 35 appearances in major tournaments (Euros and World Cups) for the Lionesses.
- Italy’s goal came from their first shot on target and first touch inside England’s penalty area.
England will face either Spain or Germany in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday, 27 July at 17:00 BST.
Italy bow out after their most impressive Euros showing since 1997, leaving the tournament with pride despite a painful finish.
