Cristiana Girelli was the hero on Wednesday night as Italy edged Norway 2–1 to reach their first Women’s European Championship semifinal since 1997.

The 35-year-old captain scored twice, including a dramatic 90th-minute header, to seal victory in a tense quarterfinal clash in Geneva. Italy will return to the same venue next Tuesday to face either Sweden or reigning champions England.

Girelli had opened the scoring in the 50th minute, cleverly guiding in Sofia Cantore’s cross-shot to give Italy the lead. Norway had a chance to draw level in the 60th minute when Ada Hegerberg was brought down by Elena Linari, but the captain squandered the penalty her second miss from the spot in the tournament.

Hegerberg redeemed herself in the 66th minute, finishing calmly past goalkeeper Laura Giuliani to restore parity. Norway surged forward after the equaliser, with Ingrid Engen nearly scoring the winner, her curled effort drifting just wide.

But in the dying moments, Girelli rose highest in the box to meet a corner and head home the winner, sending Italy into the semifinals and sparking wild celebrations.

While Italy’s historic return to the last four rightly dominates the headlines, the match also turned an unwelcome spotlight on Norway captain Hegerberg, whose missed penalty proved costly in a tightly contested encounter.

With England, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland still in contention, Italy will look to Girelli’s red-hot form to continue as they dream of Euro 2025 glory.