An ecstatic Italian coach Andrea Soncin credited the former players for having opened the way after the Italians won their first place in the European Championship semi-finals since 1997, thanks to a 90th minute head by Cristiana Girelli.
The Italians had been delighted to make the quarter-finals of Euro 2025, but made at least one better after Girelli’s double brought them to a 2-1 victory against Norway on Wednesday.
“It’s something that makes me and we totally proud,” Said Soncin, smiling. “But the story is written by what has been done before, so we have to pay tribute to those who were there in previous years, which, even without these possibilities, have given a boost to the movement. We collect the fruit.”
“The girls deserve a lot of credit because they have done something exceptional; it is beautiful to discover now that we have entered the story, now take full advantage and in a few minutes, we will start thinking of the semi-finals.”
Soncin and his team took advantage of the moment. The 46 -year -old coach hugged the two players and the team made a hand celebration race to Italian Geneve stadium fans after the final whistle.
“Let’s really enjoy this moment. This is what I asked the girls before the match: to enjoy the moment, this incredible atmosphere,” He said. “Today was really electrifying, from hymn to celebrations, with everyone. Something unique.”
Norway defended itself badly for Girelli’s second goal, who turned out to be fatal since the Juventus striker scored the most head of the five major European leagues last season.
“It is not only a victory for us, but it really belongs to everyone, to all Italian women’s football”, “ said Girelli.
“But really, it is a victory for the whole group, for 23 girls, but even more for all those who are at home looking at the victory of the entire Italian women’s movement.”
“It is really something incredible for the new generation; being among the first four in Europe is a dream come true.”
Girelli praised Soncin, which was hired by Italy at the end of 2023.
“He has an extremely important human value and that is something that we have perceived since the first days when he arrived”, “ said Girelli.
“It has adapted in a really special way, with a humility difficult to find in an environment that it did not know.”
“During training, the simple fact of looking in his eyes tells us a lot. A single glance is enough for us to understand if we are on the right track. There is always a positive energy on his part and that reinforces our confidence.”
Italy will face the winner of the quarter-final on Thursday between England and Sweden in the semi-finals.
(Tagstotranslate) Football (T) Euro Women (T) Cristiana Girelli (T) Andrea Soncin (T) Italy W (T) Norway W (T) England W (T) Sweden W (T) Juventus W (T) Global