A fantastic first-half performance from Italy sees them level with the world champions at the break.
What a response! And what a goal![{“weighting”:”main”,”srcSet”: [{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=620&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=191406b9e397d1167c768ee5f53ea7d1″,”width”:620},{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=328b5ec11659628dd5731779523e6979″,”width”:1240},{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=605&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=1f91d8cd34780cca0311b8dcfb969eab”,”width”:605},{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=605&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=1f4504d7007c18964b7d09265a8eea3d”,”width”:1210},{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=445&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=852e70b4214f43377703682991f39c69″,”width”:445},{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=445&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=0c0b4bca49609f38007af14722e060a4″,”width”:890}]},{“weighting”:”thumbnail”, “srcSet”: [{“src”:”https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935a504bde0e9ff0/0_0_3168_1923/master/3168.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=99999999999999999999999999999999″}]} ]“`json
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“src”: “https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6088f5a01cb8095cc1406a77935aWe’re under way in bern!
Italy starting line-up: Laura Giuliani; Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai, elena Linari (C), Lisa Boattin; Elisabetta Oliviero, Manuela Giugliano, Arianna caruso, Barbara Bonansea; Sofia Cantore; Martina Piemonte. Substitutes: rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Eva Schatzer, Emma Severini, christiana Girelli, Julie Piga, Valentina Bergamaschi, Annamaria Serturini, Eleonora Goldoni, Giada Greggi, Michela Cambiaghi.
Spain starting line-up: adriana Nanclares; Jana Fernàndez, Irene Paredes (C), María Méndez, Leila Ouahabi; Aitana bonmatí, patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Athenea del Castillo, Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey.Its also half-time in the other Group B fixture. Belgium currently lead Portugal 1-0 in Sion.Peter Gartner has messaged in with his pick for the player of the match so far:
“Elisabetta Oliviero is the best player on the pitch tonight. Good decision to start her.”
I think I have to agree. She’s been everywhere on that pitch this evening.45+3 min: italy have caused plenty of problems for Spain so far. Andrea Soncin will be thrilled.44 min: Another big chance for Italy! Cantore is sent running down the right again before crossing into the danger zone.Piemonte is there and has a free header, but directs her attempt way over the crossbar!41 min: But wait, VAR is checking a potential handball from Paredes in the box…39 min: Both teams have had just one attempt on target so far…30 min: Italy break forward on the counter attack as Oliviero plays a fantastic pass through to Piemonte. The striker carries it forward before shooting, but she drags her effort just wide.26 min: Del Castillo receives the ball in the box and gets past Salvai with ease. The defender is able to quickly turn and make a last-ditch block to send the ball behind for a corner. Nothing comes of the set piece.22 min: Caruso spins Del castillo and looks to break forward, but she draws a foul from the Spain forward in the defensive third.17 min: That equaliser has given Spain a huge boost. They are really pushing forward now.GOAL! Italy 1-1 Spain (Athenea del Castillo, 14)
What a response! And what a goal!
Updated at 05.33 AESTte. The striker goes for goal, but scuffs her shot. Caldentey is there but takes a heavy touch straight into the path of Oliviero, who has an easy shot at goal to fire Italy into the lead!
Italy’s Elisabetta oliviero fires home from close range to open the scoring against Spain. Photograph: Annegret Hilse/Reuters
Oliviero celebrates with a knee slide. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters
Her teammates and staff are just a9 min: Italy have a corner and the ball is sent straight into the box by Giugliano. Linari rises to head it towards goal but rattles the bar!5 min: Italy break forward and the attack culminates in a corner. The cross is sent to the edge of the box where Cantore goes for goal but Spain can deal with it fairly easily.3 min: Spain have a corner and Paralluelo crosses the ball into the box, but Italy can make the clearance.We’re under way in Bern!We are lucky enough to have the legendary Chelsea manager, WSL icon and United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes on board as a columnist throughout Euro 2025. Here is what she had to say in her latest column…
Related: Coffees, cabin fever and social media: the dos and don’ts of a tournament bubble | Emma HayesPrior to this evening’s match, Spain Manager Montse Tomé said: “it’s normal that everyone wants to play. We have 23 players, each with a role.We’ll think about what the best starting 11 is for the match, but we’re well-covered in every position, and everyone is very motivated.”
She added: “Italy are a very competitive team. They try to defend well, they get players into the boBe sure to check out our Italy and Spain team guides before kick-off this evening.
Italy vs. Spain: A Clash of Titans in the Women’s Euro 2025
The Women’s Euro 2025 promises a thrilling spectacle, and the upcoming match between Italy and Spain is poised to be a highlight. This contest pits two of Europe’s strongest women’s footballing nations against each other, with critically important implications for tournament progression. Both teams boast notable recent form and a history of success, setting the stage for a captivating encounter.
Recent Form and Key Players
Italy enters the match having demonstrated consistent enhancement in women’s football. currently ranked among the top 20 nations globally, the Azzurre have become a formidable opponent, characterized by a resilient defense and increasingly potent attacking options. Key players to watch include [insert specific Italian player names and positions – research needed], whose creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial.
Spain, meanwhile, arrives as one of the clear favorites for the entire tournament. ranked even higher internationally, the Spanish team has revolutionized the women’s game with their possession-based style and technical brilliance. Their squad is brimming with world-class talent, including [insert specific Spanish player names and positions – research needed], who consistently deliver match-winning performances. As of July 2025, Spain maintains a dominant position in FIFA rankings, reflecting their consistent success in international competitions.
Tactical Approaches and Expected Gameplay
The tactical battle between Italy and Spain is expected to be fascinating. Italy will likely adopt a disciplined defensive structure, aiming to frustrate spain’s intricate passing game and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. Their success will hinge on their ability to close down space in midfield and deny Spain’s playmakers time on the ball.
Spain, conversely, will seek to dominate possession, patiently probing for weaknesses in the Italian defense. Their emphasis on fast passing and intelligent movement will test Italy’s organizational capabilities. A key aspect of Spain’s strategy will be exploiting the flanks, utilizing the pace and skill of their wing