Cristiana Girelli at the double as Italy strike late to reach Women's Euro semi-finals
GENEVA - Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 on July 16 to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Women's European Championship for the first time since 1997.
Italy started well but were on the ropes after Norway captain Ada Hegerberg cancelled out their opening goal, but Girelli, who had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, was not to be denied and netted the winner to send thousands of blue-clad fans into ecstasy.
They will next face either reigning champions England or Sweden, who meet in Zurich on July 17.
'It's incredible, beautiful. In front of all these people, so many messages arrived from Italy the last few days,' elated Italy coach Andrea Soncin said.
'It's something fantastic. I think this is the biggest gift we can give to all those who watch us, to all those little girls, those young women who live football with passion.'
Norway, who hadn't played a knockout game at the Euros since losing the 2013 final 1-0 to Germany, got off to a stuttering start, turning over the ball in midfield and allowing Arianna Caruso to fire a shot just wide.
The Italians racked up several decent goal-scoring chances in the second half, but it was Norway's 20-year-old winger Signe Gaupset who went closest to breaking the deadlock before the break with an audacious lob from just inside the Italian half.
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The Italians took the lead five minutes into the second half, Girelli getting the slightest of touches on Sofia Cantore's ball into the box to steer it home, and they had the ball in the net again three minutes later only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Norway tried to make the most of the reprieve as captain Ada Hegerberg won a penalty a few minutes later, but for the second time at the tournament she sent her spot kick wide of the target, burying her head in her hands after her miss.
She made amends in the 66th minute, levelling with a deft finish to silence the raucous Italian fans in the crowd.
Italy then struggled to find their previous fluency until Girelli ghosted in at the far post to head home in the final minute of normal time for a famous victory.
Italy's Cristiana Girelli scores their second goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
'It's bitter, it's really bitter,' Norway's Hegerberg said.
'I must honestly say that I am proud of the group and how we have performed. We are close to being in the top four in Europe, but it's not enough.' REUTERS
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