\n<\/p>\n
Goals scored: <\/b>Five Goals conceded: <\/b>Five Wins:<\/b> Three Best Euros performance: <\/b>Runners-up, 1993 and 1997<\/p>\n
Chance of winning Euro 2025 (Opta):<\/b> 8.9%<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Key player:<\/b> Captain Cristiana Girelli <\/b>scored both goals in the 2-1 victory with the crucial winning goal a dramatic stoppage-time header.<\/p>\n
Former England defender Anita Asante said it was “special” for a “senior veteran in the team” to deliver in that moment.<\/p>\n
“They’re reflecting the growth of Italian women’s football. Italy found a bit of quality when it really mattered and capitalised,” she said.<\/p>\n
What the pundits said: <\/b>Houghton said defending champions England would need to be “mindful” of Italy’s underdog status.<\/p>\n
“Knocking out Norway, who were higher ranked than them, that probably was not the expectation from the outside,” she said.<\/p>\n
“They have experience in their team. They have some threats, especially in wide areas, and really good midfielders.<\/p>\n
“This is monumental for them. They’ve made another historic progression so they’re going to be well up for it.”<\/p>\n
Standout stat: <\/b>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n