The team unit led Italy to end their expectations of 28 years to reach the semi-finals of the European Women’s Championship, said Italian midfielder Giada Greggi after their 2-1 quarter-final victory against Norway.
“I think that humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities is what made this important result and we brought it home”, “ said Greggi, who left the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday’s game.
The noisy Italian crowd urged its players, with songs from “Forza Italia”, and the Geneva stadium lit up when Cristiana Girelli found the net twice in the second period, including a winner of the 90th minute.
“There was a lot of emotions in this (second) goal. It was the whole trip we made, the sacrifices we made, and in the end, we reached the semi-final”, “ Greggi said.
“It was a fantastic feeling. We almost didn’t believe it at the end of the match,” said Michela Cambighi, who also came in the 77th minute.
The Italian defender Elena Linari said that Girelli, 35, was an inspiration for the team.
“Now we are going to put Girelli in a window to rest for the semi -final – she deserves everything, and she is a huge inspiration for us,” Said Linari.
It was the first time since 1997 that Italy has reached the semi-finals of a European championship.
“It has been made with efforts and many sacrifices – today we have shown that we can do very well”, “ Said Greggi.
Before the match, the Italian coach asked his team to close their eyes and to rethink the first time they had touched football, said Barbara Bonansea.
“The feeling I have now is exactly the same. The stadium was crowded, the energy was incredible. This success fills my heart,” She added.
Italy will face England or Sweden in the semi-finals.
(Tagstranslate) Football