Esther Gonzalez scored her fourth goal of Euro 2025, leading Spain to a hard-fought victory against Italy, thereby maintaining their perfect record and securing the top spot in Group B.
Despite the loss, Italy secured the second position in the group, advancing to the quarter-finals, as Portugal was defeated by the already-eliminated Belgium in the other Group B match on Friday.
Italy surprised Spain with a strong start. Captain Elena Linari nearly scored with a powerful header that hit the crossbar, and Elisabetta Oliviero opened the scoring with a precise left-footed shot past Adriana Nanclares.
Their lead was short-lived, lasting just four minutes, as Athenea del Castillo penetrated the Italian defense, connecting brilliantly with Alexia Putellas. Putellas deftly backheeled the ball, allowing Del Castillo to score.
Italy had chances to lead at halftime. However, Martina Piemonte missed the target after a pass from Oliviero, and Barbara Bonansea's header from close range went over the bar.
In the second half, Andrea Soncin's team maintained their intensity, but it was Spain who scored first. Just four minutes after the restart, Guijarro capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box, scoring into the bottom corner after Del Castillo's run was halted.
Aside from a brilliant save by Nanclares against a deflected shot from Sofia Cantore, Spain, the world champions, maintained control. Gonzalez sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring from close range after another assist from Putellas.
Spain will face host nation Switzerland in the quarter-finals, while Italy will take on Norway.
Main Talking Point
As the group stage progressed, Spain faced increasingly challenging opponents according to FIFA rankings. However, they rose to the occasion, overcoming Italy, ranked 13th worldwide. Despite making six changes from the team that defeated Belgium, Montse Tome's side initially struggled as Italy easily counter-attacked their defense.
After equalizing quickly, Spain settled into the game, dominating the second half. They showcased their squad depth by introducing Gonzalez, Claudia Pina, and Vicky Lopez. Despite the defeat, Italy's performance, especially in the first half, should boost their confidence as they reach the quarter-finals for the first time since Euro 2013.
Players Who Stood Out
In her first start of the tournament, Del Castillo impressed on the right wing. After leveling the score with a superb strike, the Real Madrid forward continued to threaten until she was substituted for Lopez in the 58th minute. Her run into the Italian box set up Spain's second goal, finished expertly by Guijarro.
Standout Stats
Putellas has been directly involved in seven goals (three goals, four assists) at Euro 2025, matching the group-stage record set by England's Beth Mead three years ago. Spain attempted 796 passes in this match, the highest by any team in a single match during the 2025 tournament thus far.
What's Next for Both Teams?
As Group B winners, Spain will play their quarter-final on 18 July at 20:00 BST against Group A runners-up and hosts Switzerland in Bern. Meanwhile, Italy will face Norway in Geneva on 16 July at 20:00 BST.
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