“ It hurts, but we must be proud ”: Italian coach Andrea Soncin after the loss against England

Italian coach Andrea Soncin found comfort in sorrow after his team arrived at one minute after reaching the final of Euro 2025, saying that it was an encouraging sign that they came so close before losing 2-1 against England in addition to Tuesday.

“It’s something that hurts, but we have to be proud of what has been done”, ” He told journalists. “The fact that we have not arrived in the final and that we were at one minute is encouragement.”

Italian midfielder Sofia Cantore told Reuters that the performance of Le Azzurre showed the strength and growth of the team.

“I think we did something incredible,” said Cantore. “Now I am sad, but we bring with ourselves the thought that we can be strong.”

The last time Italy has reached a final of the European Women’s Championship was 1997.

They seemed intended to repeat the feat when the midfielder of Juventus Barbara Bonansea fired at home in the 33rd minute at the Geneve stadium. Italian fans broke out to celebrate, with a person proudly holding a declaring sign, “He returns home to Rome.”

But the 19 -year -old substitute for England, Michelle Agyemang, had other ideas, equalizing in the 96th minute to send the match to more time and finally crush Italian dreams.

“There are a lot of regrets. We were a minute and a half of the dream … Unfortunately, in the final, we were tired,” Elena Linari told Italian broadcaster Rai.

“I am proud of girls. It’s a bitter evening, but also sweet,” She added.

The support that Italy has received from their fans during the tournament is something that Cantore hopes to continue in the future.

“Fans must now stay closer to us, because they may now be aware of our strengths”, “ She said.