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Italy will face their biggest test yet at Women’s Euro 2025 when they meet Spain today, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The Azzurre are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2013, having crashed out in the group stage in the past two editions. They sit second in Group B with four points, following a narrow win over Belgium and a late draw with Portugal, but they’ll need at least a point to be progress.
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Cristiana Girelli’s stunning strike had looked to seal all three points against Portugal, only for an 89th-minute equaliser to delay Italy’s passage to the next round. They remain three points ahead of third-placed Portugal, and their superior goal difference means only a heavy defeat – coupled with a big Portuguese win over Belgium – would knock them out.
Spain, meanwhile, have already qualified for the quarter-finals and only need a draw to finish top of the group. Montse Tomé’s side have been in devastating form, scoring 11 goals in two matches – 5-0 against Portugal and 6-2 against Belgium.
Alexia Putellas stole the show last time out, becoming the first player to score twice and provide two assists in a single Women’s Euro match. La Roja’s attacking trio of Putellas, Esther González, and Claudia Pina have been in high-flying form.
However, Spain could rotate. With a knockout tie looming, Tomé may rest players on yellow cards, including defenders Laia Aleixandri and Ona Batlle. Goalkeeper Cata Coll is also in contention to return after missing the first two matches due to illness.
Italy boss Andrea Soncin is expected to stick with the side that started the opening two games. Roma’s Elena Linari should anchor a back three alongside Juventus duo Cecilia Salvai and Martina Lenzini. Girelli, who has four goals in her last five outings, will once again lead the line.
But Soncin may be tempted to go more defensive, given Spain’s firepower. He’ll also have one eye on suspensions – four Italian players, including Lenzini and Manuela Giugliano, are a booking away from missing the quarter-finals.
Score Prediction:
The last time these two met, Italy stunned Spain 3-2 in the Nations League last December. Repeating that feat now, though, will require a monumental performance.
MWN says Italy 2-2 Spain
