Already on 16 July 2025 at 21:00, Norway and Italy will meet at Stade de Genève in Geneva, fighting for promotion to the semi‑final of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. It is a duel awaited by women’s football fans not only because of the teams’ ranking or bookmakers’ odds, but also thanks to the electrifying combination of playing styles and on‑field individualities.
EURO 2025 is played in the traditional, thrilling format. First the teams face each other in groups, then the best eight advance to the knockout phase, where a loss means immediate elimination. Every match, every decision, even one play, can be crucial for the fate of the team.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, we play extra time. If we still do not know the winner, penalties decide. Emotions are guaranteed, because both Norway and Italy know that one weaker moment means saying goodbye to dreams of the title.
The road of both teams to the quarter‑final:
Norway is a team that delighted with offence in the group stage, but could also switch to defence in a flash. The Norwegians brilliantly adapt the formation from 4‑2‑4 to 4‑3‑3 depending on the situation, and their biggest ace is counter‑attacks and finishing efficiency. In the group, Caroline Graham Hansen’s goal against Finland, which the Norwegians scored at the end of the match, turned out to be key. Norway showed that it can patiently wait out the opponent’s offensive impetus, only to strike back instantly a moment later.
Norway bases itself on the experience of its leaders; Ada Hegerberg is a world‑class player, and the versatile Frida Maanum successfully combines creativity with endurance. The coach also relies on young talents who find themselves perfectly in key moments, effortlessly transferring club experience to tournament reality.
Italian women’s football has undergone a huge transformation and today it is a team that plays very mature, organised football. In the group stage they won, among others, against Belgium after an effective action and a goal by Arianna Caruso, and the midfield with her and Manuela Giugliano showed not only composure but also brilliance. The Italian team relies on tactical discipline, quick reaction in defence and counter‑attack, and the solidity of the entire defensive formation.
Coach Soncin systematically introduces his own tactical solutions, making better and better use of the team’s potential. Italy’s style of play may not be the most spectacular, but its effectiveness impresses opponents.
So far Norway and Italy have rarely competed against each other in the most important senior tournaments, and historical head‑to‑head matches at the highest level have not been particularly striking in the statistics. In the semi‑final of the U‑17 European Championship in 2025 Norway beat Italy 3‑1, but in senior women’s football this clash will be a new chapter of rivalry.
Despite the lack of a rich history of meetings, the combination of Norway’s offensive wings and centrally positioned, disciplined Italy promises an unrepeatable football spectacle.
Stars who can make the difference:
ADA HEGERBERG (Norway)
Striker of Olympique Lyon, the first woman with the Ballon d’Or and many times awarded by the football world. Excellent technique, strength, goal instinct—this is her weapon in the fight for the semi‑final.
FRIDA MAANUM (Norway)
Young yet already extremely experienced Arsenal midfielder. Her dribbling, passes and ability to resolve actions in her favour can tip the scales of victory.
ARIANNA CARUSO (Italy)
Italy’s playmaker and a symbol of modern football, fast, creative and precise, with experience from top Serie A clubs and Bayern Munich. Her vision of the game and distribution can surprise the Norwegian defence.
CRISTIANA GIRELLI (Italy)
Experienced striker, Juventus star and pillar of the Italian national team. She can trouble any defence, especially if she creates even half a chance.
Bookmakers’ odds and forecasts
Before the match bookmakers give a slight edge to the Italians, odds about 2.50 (around 38 % chance) against 3.20 for Norway (33 %). A draw is priced at 3.25. Additionally, many experts predict that both teams will score, and emotions will rise particularly in the second half.
A win in Geneva means not only a place in the semi‑final but huge prestige and confirmation of championship aspirations. For Norway it is a chance to return to the throne; for Italy, an opportunity to confirm that they are not only a solid team but a true European powerhouse of women’s football.
The quarter‑final between Norway and Italy is a clash of two compact, strong teams. Not only technical and tactical skills will be key, but also a cool head and psychological resilience. A true spectacle is being prepared at Stade de Genève, which can confidently be called one of the most anticipated encounters of this phase of EURO 2025.
Will Norway exploit the power of its wings and experience? Or will Italy once again surprise with organisation and effectiveness? One thing is certain: fans will see football at the highest European level! Wednesday, 16 July, 21:00. Be there or follow the coverage—such clashes cannot be missed!
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