Patricia Guijarro and Esther Gonzalez were on target as Spain came from behind to beat Italy 3–1 in their final UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group B match. Despite the loss, Italy narrowly secured a spot in the quarterfinals, edging past Belgium on goal difference.
It was a tale of two styles— Spain, the reigning world champions, were their usual fluid, possession-heavy selves, while Italy stuck to a more pragmatic, direct approach that nearly yielded a surprise result.
Early Shock for Spain
Against the run of play, Italy stunned La Roja with the opening goal in the 10th minute. Oliviero pounced on a rebound to fire home from close range after the Spaniards had failed to deal with a rare Italian foray. The Italians had already rattled the crossbar moments before and looked dangerous in transition.
However, Spain responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo combined brilliantly with Alexia Putellas before rifling a shot into the top-left corner to level the score and restore control for Spain.
Dominance Restored
Del Castillo continued to be a menace down the right flank, and early in the second half, her mazy dribble left four Italian defenders in her wake. Though Martina Lenzini eventually stopped her, the defender’s weak clearance fell kindly to Patricia Guijarro, who drilled home from the edge of the box to make it 2–1.
Italy struggled to respond, with Spain pinning them deep and controlling the tempo. The gap in quality grew more apparent as the match wore on.
With Italy desperately holding on, Spain added a third late on. Esther Gonzalez netted her fourth goal of the tournament, timing her run perfectly to tap in Putellas’ inch-perfect cross—a classic poacher’s finish that sealed the win.
Italy Squeeze Through Despite Defeat
Although Italy finished the group stage with just four points from three matches, it was enough to earn them a place in the last eight. Belgium’s 2–1 win over Portugal left them one point short, meaning the Azzurre scraped through behind group winners Spain.
Player of the Match: Athenea del Castillo
Despite being subbed off around the hour mark, Del Castillo had already left her mark on the game. She scored the equaliser, set up the second, and was instrumental in breaking down Italy’s defence. The Real Madrid winger has emerged as a vital piece in Montse Tomé’s attack.
Moment to Forget: Martina Lenzini
Italy were still in the game at 1–1 when Lenzini’s soft clearance gifted Spain the lead. Under pressure from Del Castillo, the Italian centre-back should have cleared decisively but instead left a loose ball for Guijarro, who punished the error ruthlessly.
What’s Next?
Spain, who top Group B, will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on July 18. Italy, finishing as runners-up, are set to play Norway in Geneva on July 16.
Both teams will now turn their focus to the knockout phase, with Spain chasing a rare Euro–World Cup double and Italy hoping to defy expectations.