Spain remain unbeaten as Italy join them in quarter finals

Italy 1 Spain 3

July 11 – With three wins from three, Spain stayed perfect at Euro 2025 after a 3-1 victory against Italy, who confirmed their spot in the last eight as runners-up in Group B. 

All evening Italy caused Spain problems, but the world champions, composed and commanding on the ball, did just enough to win a third consecutive group match, top the group and set up a quarter-final against hosts Switzerland. It’s the first time that Spain have notched up a perfect record in the group stages of a major tournament.

The Italians waited on the pitch until Portugal’s defeat to Belgium was confirmed to celebrate their qualification.

Italy had promised they would hurt Spain and true to their word, the Azzurre took the lead in the 10th minute through Elisabetta Oliviero, who finished from close range after Mariona Caldentey failed to clear the ball. Cue pandemonium. In celebration, Oliviero, one of the best players on the pitch, sprinted to the bench and Italy’s fans jumped with joy.

Alexia Putellas of Spain controls the ball whilst under pressure from Sofia Cantore of Italy 

This was Spain’s first test of the tournament: how would the team react after falling behind against a formidable opponent like Italy, a nation that is still developing its women’s game but which, as Spain manager Montse Tome pointed out, would not be a pushover? Spain’s competitiveness proved to be non-negotiable and so Italy’s joy was short-lived.

Four minutes later, the world champions leveled with a silky equaliser. On the right channel, Athenea del Castillo played a one-two with Alexia Putellas, whose deft back-heel was perfect for the number ten to connect and curl home the leveller. It was a marvellous sequence of play and an inspired assist from Putellas.

Tome had rotated her side, with two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí returning to the side for her first start at Euro 2025. This was Spain’s strongest midfield and it took full control. Italy’s opener had served as a wake-up call, but for all of Spain’s possession and intricate passing around the Italian box, they provided too little danger, restricted to a single attempt on target, Del Castillo’s goal, in the first half.

It was the Azzurre who proved to be more dangerous on the counterattack. They were denied a penalty after Irene Paredes’s handball in the box, but the VAR spotted an Italian player in a offside position in the box. On the brink of half-time, Sofia Cantore was sent running down the right and her cross found Piemonte completely unmarked in the box but the number nine directed her header well over the crossbar.

Barbara Bonansea of Italy runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Jana Fernandez of Spain

Spain’s first attempt after the pause was enough to take the lead. At the right time in the right place, understated midfield anchor Patricia Guijarro capitalised on a poor Italian clearance to dispatch a half-volley that flew in off the post. In the build-up, Del Castillo slalomed her way past six Italians, who should have done better to repel Spain’s first proper foray into the box in the second half. The world champions were clinical: half a chance and they were ahead.

Italy’s defending was becoming wobbly with the patchy footwork of goalkeeper Laura Giuliani causing problems. The Azurre struggled to clear their line as Spain, monopolising the ball, ramped up the pressure. Bonmati was denied a wonderful goal by Giuliani’s fingertip. In injury time, Esther Gonzalez sealed the win with her fourth goal of the tournament.

But Italy had lurked on the counter all evening. At the hour mark they had come close with a deflected shot from Cantore. In 5-4-1 formation, the Italians proffered a blueprint of how to take on Spain: absorb the pressure, stay disciplined and counter. They exploited Spain’s high line and the space in behind the full backs.

It was food for thought for Pia Sundhage and her Switzerland who will play Spain in a blockbuster quarter-final. The host nation rescued a draw against Finland by the skin of their teeth on Thursday to progress from Group A. The world champions will be firm favourites, but Switzerland, backed by an entire nation, can count on the talent of Geraldine Reuteler and Lia Walti to lead the team.

Those worries will be for later. For now, Spain can reflect on a perfect group stage. Returning to the knockout stage for the first time since 2013, Italy will relish their chances in a quarter-final against Norway.

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Italy111344
Belgium102483
Portugal012281

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