Italy is one win away from reaching the final of the Women’s European Championship, but just three years ago its players couldn’t even get professional contracts back home.

Norway's Ada Hegerberg, second from right, scores during the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Norway and Italy at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

On a night of goals and drama for two veteran star strikers, Cristiani Girelli got the better of Ada Hegerberg to send Italy into the semifinals of the 2025 Women's Euro on Wednesday.

Norway's Caroline Graham, left, celebrates with Ada Hegerberg after scoring her side's second goal during the Euro 2025, group A, soccer match between Norway and Finland at Stade de Tourbillon in ...

Italy's coach Luciano Spalletti on the touchline during the qualifying World Cup soccer match between Norway and Italy at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, Friday June 6, 2025. (Lise Åserud/NTB via AP) ...

Gabriele Gravina said Wednesday he was sorry at Gianluigi Donnarumma's split with Paris Saint-Germain but there were no ...

His exploits in his first major tournament at UEFA Euro 2020 saw him lead Italy to glory, making two saves in the final shootout against hosts England at Wembley, much to the dismay of the partisan ...

Euro 2025 Norway Italy Soccer Italy head coach Andrea Soncin, center right, celebrates with the players at the end of the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Norway and Italy at ...

Italy's Cristiana Girelli, center right, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Norway and Italy at Stade de Geneve in ...

Italy's Cristiana Girelli (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Norway and Italy at Stade de Geneve in ...

Italy is one win away from reaching the final of the Women’s European Championship, but just three years ago its players couldn’t even get professional contracts back home ...