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.

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 ...

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.

While it hasn’t quite reached fever pitch back home, 2.4 million television viewers in Italy — a 16.2% audience share — watched the team’s match against Norway and that's likely to be even ...

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.

We just need to put the players in condition to succeed. We need to get Italy back to the World Cup. That’s fundamental.” Spalletti was fired after Italy lost its opening qualifier 3-0 at Norway.

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 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) ...

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 ...