logo
"The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani voted Club Calvi's next Readers' Choice

"The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani voted Club Calvi's next Readers' Choice

CBS Newsa day ago
Please consider joining our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE.
Find out more about the books below.
Club Calvi's new book will take your imagination to Lake Como -- New Jersey and Italy!
We asked you to vote for one of our Top 3 FicPicks, and "The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani came out on top as the Readers' Choice. In a video message, Trigiani said she was proud to be a finalist for the club.
"The View From Lake Como" became an instant New York Times bestseller a few days after its release in early July.
The book is about a woman who is a dutiful daughter, newly divorced and living with her parents in Lake Como, New Jersey. When her family has an unexpected loss, she moves to Italy, where she carves out a new life, and possible love, for herself.
You can read along with Club Calvi through August. You can also read a free excerpt, and get the book, below.
The CBS New York Book Club focuses on books connected to the Tri-State Area in their plots and/or authors. The books may contain adult themes.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From the publisher: Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close.
In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, "the perfect husband," Jess moves into her parents' basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).
When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.
From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.
Adriana Trigiani lives in Manhattan.
"The View From Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani (ThriftBooks) $22
Chapter 2
The Family Business
The red taillights on Uncle Louie's chartreuse Impala blink as he backs the car out of his garage on his way to pick me up for work. He and Aunt Lil live in the last house on the corner lot before the intersection of Surf Avenue, which leads to the beach. Their Cape Cod, the most landscaped home in all of New Jersey, stands out among the mix of white split‑level and soft blue saltbox houses that hug the curve of the shore of Lake Como like a rope of shimmering opals.
Through the years, Aunt Lil and Uncle Louie have installed every manner of ornamentation and architectural interest on their half‑acre lot. There's a koi pond, a three‑tier marble fountain, and a walkway of gold‑streaked pavers that swirls up to the front door like a yellow brick road. The backyard has a replica of the Parthenon built out of Carrara marble where they host the Knights of Colum‑ bus Weenie Roast every July Fourth. "My home is an advertisement for my business," Uncle Louie says. "Italian craftsmanship and American elegance?" he asks, before he answers, "I'm your man."
If he's your man, then I'm your wingman. Uncle Louie is my boss at Capodimonte Marble and Stone, our family business since 1924.
My uncle pulls up to the curb. I inhale the chill of the morning air. It tickles my nose and fills my lungs, which causes me to sneeze with my whole body. I fish through my purse for a tissue.
"Jess. Are you serious?" Uncle Louie says through his open win‑ dow as I wipe my nose.
I climb inside and snap the seat belt. He rolls his fist. "Leave your window down so any germs blow out."
"I'm not sick. It's the temperature."
"Now you're a scientist? If you don't catch a cold, it won't catch you. Words of wisdom from my mother."
"Your hypochondria flares up whenever the seasons change." "You noticed, huh?" Uncle Louie's mouth curves into a smile.
I see everything, but there's no point in bragging about it. A worldview doesn't do you much good when you live in a small town, unless your passport is current. When it comes to Lake Como, New Jersey, the Capodimonte and Baratta families own North Boule‑ vard. My Cap grandparents lived two houses down while the Baratta grandparents lived three houses down in the other direc‑ tion. They're all gone now; the Baratta homestead went to our cousin Carmine in 2019, while the Cap house has not been touched since Grandma died in 2022. We call it the Lake Como Museum because it remains intact; not a single teaspoon has left the premises since her death. Around the loop of the lake, the rest of the houses are filled with relatives.
Whenever we had a block party, we closed down the street and became a version of the Villa Capri in Paterson on their All You Can Eat Family Night. We were an Italian American a‑go‑go mi‑ nus the floor show, free hors d'oeuvres, and two‑drink minimum. Beyond our social lives, our family shares the street, a canoe, and our devotion to the Blessed Mother. A statue of Mary can be found in every yard on the lake. It may appear the patriarchy is thriving, but Italian Americans know it's the mother who has the power. Philomena Capodimonte Baratta, my own mamma mia Madonne, is proof of that.
"What's with the jacket?" Uncle Louie gives my outfit a once‑ over.
"Connie gave it to me."
"You're still in your sister's hand‑me‑downs?"
"Does it look bad?" I smooth the navy linen with my hands.
I am not up to Uncle Louie's sartorial code. Never have been. Louie Cap is the last of a group of Italian American men who came up on the Beatles but never forgot Louis Prima. He's a sharp dresser, Rat Pack debonair. He wears size 8 suede loafers like Frank Sinatra and three‑piece suits like Jerry Vale, altered for a streamlined fit on his trim frame. He is never without a fitted vest under his suit jacket because he likes the feeling of being cinched in.
"Clothes make the woman," Uncle Louie reminds me. "What the hell happened over here? You're Depression Central." "I'm working on it. I signed up for Thera‑Me. It's an online ther‑ apy program. I got so many Instagram ads for it I must be in their target market."
"Whatever that means," Louie groans. "My goal is to make it into the arms of my Savior without having to install another app."
"I was assigned to Dr. Sharon over Zoom." "Is she a real doctor?" Uncle Louie asks.
"Board‑certified. She had me draw a self‑portrait. And she asked me to journal. Wants me to write down my memories, the happy ones and the painful times. She said past experience is the founda‑ tion of future mental health." I show Uncle Louie my self‑portrait.
Uncle Louie glances over as he drives. "That don't look like you."
"What do you mean?"
"I'd take another run at it." Uncle Louie makes a face. "Too late. I already turned it in."
"Is this therapy operation expensive?"
"Around the cost of a gym membership."
"Hmm. What a racket. Why do you need a therapist when you have me? I'm like a priest. At my age, there isn't anything you could tell me that would even slightly shock me."
"There are things I can't talk to even you about."
"Even though I have a very sensitive female side?"
"Not funny, Uncle Louie."
Uncle Louie's phone rings. He taps speaker. "Yo, Googs."
"I got a couple sleeves of black granite. You got a need?" Googs sounds far away, like he's calling from the moon.
"Putting a floor in over in Basking Ridge. How much you got?"
"Ten by six. Looks like I have six sheets total. Foyer? Small?"
Uncle Louie looks at me. I confirm that we could use the stock. "For a price," Uncle Louie says into the phone. "Don't soak me, Googs. I'm not in the mood."
"Text the address and I'll deliver." Rolando "Googs" Gugliotti hangs up. He is one of Uncle Louie's oldest work colleagues. He would be the Joey Bishop in Uncle Louie's Rat Pack. He shows up, does his business, and disappears like a vapor until you need him again, or he needs you.
I look down at my phone. "How does he know exactly when to call? It's creepy."
"Not in the least. He's an intuitive salesman. Make a note."
I scroll to the notes app on my phone and await instructions.
Excerpted from The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani. Copyright © 2025 by Adriana Trigiani. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Return to top of page
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Video: Milan unveil new 2025-26 away kit with special logo
Video: Milan unveil new 2025-26 away kit with special logo

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Video: Milan unveil new 2025-26 away kit with special logo

Milan have now officially unveiled their new away strip for the 2025-26 season, featuring a special edition of the club's logo, which nods back to the early and mid-1980s. This is the eighth year of the club's partnership with kit manufacturer Puma, who have already unveiled the new home shirts for the 2025-26 season. The away kit, as expected following a leak earlier in the week, is a largely all-white affair, including the shorts and socks. The white shirts feature traditional red and white details on the shoulders, collar and sleeves. There is also a change to the Rossoneri logo, which is a modernised twist on the 'Diavolo' crest that the team bore in the years between 1979 and 1986. Watch: Milan unveil new Puma away shirts THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS 😈

THE BUCCANEERS Recap: (S02E06) Every Single Piece of My Heart
THE BUCCANEERS Recap: (S02E06) Every Single Piece of My Heart

Geek Girl Authority

time4 hours ago

  • Geek Girl Authority

THE BUCCANEERS Recap: (S02E06) Every Single Piece of My Heart

The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart,' is absolutely bonkers. So much happens . Almost too much. There's no room to breathe as the narrative chugs along at lightning speed. It feels like we're simply jumping from one plot point to the next. Admittedly, everything would flow better if the outing was split into two episodes. That said, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' is the strongest episode of the season thus far. The acting, specifically from Imogen Waterhouse and Barney Fishwick, is nuanced and compelling. I feel Richard's death is unnecessary and mostly for shock value, though. Not a fan of the series breaking up its healthiest couple. However, I'm curious to see how the story plays out for Conchita. RELATED: Read our recap of the previous episode of The Buccaneers , 'A Whole Love' The Buccaneers, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' We open with Guy (Matthew Broome) buying flowers in the breezy, bustling Italian marketplace. He spots Seadown (Barney Fishwick) from afar. In a panic, he drops the flowers and races back to his home. Guy informs Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) about Seadown. He insists they leave now. However, Jinny is well aware of Seadown's presence in their town. Even worse, she's considering going back to England with him. Jinny asserts that Seadown is a changed man. He's wonderful with Freddie. She tells Guy that she'll be different now — better. Girl, this is what that scumbag wants you to believe. Guy reminds her that abusive turds like Seadown excel in the art of manipulation. Empowered by Guy's words, Jinny starts packing, refusing to kowtow to Seadown. Unfortunately, Freddie is gone. Seadown is 100 percent the culprit. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Home Well, if Seadown absconded with Freddie to lure Jinny out of Italy, his plan worked. We see Jinny and Guy return to England, where they crash at the Brightlingsea/Marable house. Nan (Kristine Frøseth), Conchita (Alisha Boe), Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag), Mabel (Josie Totah) and Honoria (Mia Threapleton) are there to embrace and comfort Jinny. Richard (Josh Dylan) and Lady Marable (Fenella Woolgar) watch the reunion from a distance. RELATED: 10 Questions We Need Answered in The Buccaneers Season 2 Then, we learn that a journalist from The Times is en route, courtesy of Theo's pull as the Duke of Tintagel. Nan reminds Jinny that, according to English law, she 'kidnapped' Seadown's baby. She's in danger of facing the might of the law. Thankfully, Nan is fighting tooth and nail to change that law. Hopefully, this journalist can get Jinny's story out there and smear Seadown's name. Next, Guy and Theo (Guy Remmers) reunite. Initially, it's awkward. However, at the end of the day, these two are BFFs. Not even falling for the same woman can change that. They hug it out. After this, Bert Clark (Iain MacRae), the journalist, arrives. Theo escorts Bert to the sitting room, where Jinny awaits him. Naturally, Bert is taken aback. Jinny is a wanted woman, after all. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Victim or Villain? That said, he's willing to listen to Jinny as she tells the truth about Seadown. Elsewhere, Lady Marable chats with Seadown, who paints a picture that casts him as the victim. In his eyes, Jinny kidnapped his child. Her friends manipulate Jinny into believing he's the villain. We learn that Seadown is currently staying in Aunt Emily's mansion outside London. He plans to bring Jinny there. RELATED: 7 Questions We'll Never Get Answered in The Great Season 4 The following morning, Bert's article is on the front page of the latest edition of The Times . He wholeheartedly supports Jinny and rehabilitates her image in the eyes of the public. This is a bit anachronistic in that it very likely didn't play out this way IRL. Women had so little power and public sway back then (not that we have much today). But I appreciate a woman getting a win over her abuser. Seadown reads the article in Aunt Emily's home and looks pissed . Later, Lizzy and Theo run into each other in the Brightlingsea/Marable house. We learn that Lizzy called off her marriage to Hector. Was it for Theo? Was it merely for herself? Regardless, Lizzy claims she doesn't regret her decision. Theo states that he misses her, but Richard breaks up the tender moment. He and Theo are heading out to search for Freddie. Lizzy's Choice After this, Hector (Jacob Ifan) arrives. Lizzy apologizes profusely for how she handled things. She tells Hector that he deserves to be with someone who truly loves him. She thanks him for doing this for them — meaning her and the titular Buccaneers. However, he's not lending a hand for her, but for Nan and Jinny. He throws Lizzy's words back in her face in a mic drop moment. As much as I love Lizzy, girl made a big mistake. RELATED: Read our Bridgerton recaps Next, Hector tells Nan and Jinny that passing the new bill and ultimately overturning that harmful law will take time. Rome wasn't built in a day. But the Home Secretary will be at the opera that evening, as will the Buccaneers. Nan might have enough pull as a duchess to sway him. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Sure enough, Nan works her magic in the opera house. She and the Home Secretary (Gary Pillai) share a box together. Nan offers the influence of House Tintagel to bolster him. Meanwhile, Guy and Theo chat at the house. Theo shares that he and Nan are under one roof, but they're not together in that way. Guy wonders what they can do about men like Seadown. Theo believes they must thank God for women. They get sh*t done. A Confrontation at the Opera Elsewhere, Lady Marable brings Jinny a dress to wear to the opera. Jinny asks her mother-in-law to disclose Freddie's location. However, Lady Marable claims ignorance, only that Jinny should try to mend fences with Seadown. That article has him in pieces, you know. Ugh. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: The Buccaneers ' Lizzy Elmsworth So, Jinny puts on the dress and heads to the opera. She decides to confront Seadown directly. At the same time, our Buccaneers are in shock as Seadown enters his box at the opera. Jinny follows hot on his heels. The scandal! The opera attendees watch with rapt attention as she demands answers from Seadown. Where's Freddie? Seadown evades her question by pivoting — he feigns fear, cowering for the audience. He grabs her wrist to make it appear she's attempting to hurt him. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Eventually, Jinny slaps Seadown (well-deserved). Seadown calls for help, claiming Jinny is out of control. Two men cart her away. Nan and the others attempt to chase them down. Nan and Guy watch as the men push Jinny into a carriage before driving away. Later, on Seadown's orders, they check Jinny into an asylum. Jinny insists she's of sound mind, claiming she's only inquiring about her son's whereabouts. Gotta love it when men in power gaslight women, writing off their legitimate concerns as hysteria. Asylum Nan and Guy track down the asylum, where the former demands to see her sister. The woman she talks to asserts that Jinny isn't allowed visitors per Seadown's request. Seadown visits Jinny the next day. He reveals how it's terrifying for him to see her 'like this,' adding that she's unwell. Of course, that's untrue. Jinny asks about Freddie. Seadown evades her question again, declaring that this isn't about their son. It's about her getting better. The attendants administer pills before Jinny rolls over. Conversation over. RELATED: Read our Dickinson recaps What transpires next is a montage of Jinny refusing to eat her food. Worries about Freddie's well-being are all-consuming. Seadown returns days later to finally give Jinny a glimpse of Freddie. We see a maid holding him outside the building. Jinny changes her methods. She thanks Seadown for taking care of her and Freddie. She acknowledges that she needs help and will accept his treatment. Ugh. So, Seadown brings Jinny home. She reunites with Freddie. Unfortunately, Seadown cuts the reunion short, insisting that Jinny must rest — for her safety and Freddie's. What a POS. Nan and Guy return to the asylum to find Jinny is gone. Guy consoles a distraught Nan. Never Again After this, we see Jinny dressed to Seadown's liking, sitting across from him for, presumably, dinner time. Seadown rattles off his overly used, meaningless catchphrase, 'Only us.' Jinny accepts her fate as his prisoner, but she'll never love him. She can't. She's only here for Freddie. Seadown abruptly ends dinner time and forces her out of her chair. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: The Buccaneers ' Conchita Marable Meanwhile, Conchita and Richard chat about Seadown and their childhood. Richard wonders if he has the capacity to be like Seadown. Conchita reassures him that he and Seadown aren't even in the same conversation. Richard is so much kinder. Lady Marable asks Richard to accompany her on a walk. She calls Seadown a 'funny fish,' now admitting that her son has f*cked up. Well, in her own words. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Lady Marable insists that Seadown only wants to impress Richard. That's always been his objective — to make his older brother proud of him. She asks Richard to pay Seadown a visit and talk sense into him. Elsewhere, Guy and Nan have a heart-to-heart. Guy apologizes for making Nan feel bad for prioritizing Jinny's well-being over his own. Nan declares that it's always been him, never Theo. She's willing to fight for Guy, and he reciprocates her declaration. Executing the Plan After this, Richard and Honoria depart for Seadown's house (well, Aunt Emily's). Everyone bids them farewell. The plan is to rescue Jinny and Freddie. Richard will distract Seadown while Honoria fetches them. The three siblings reminisce about spending their childhood here, and how 'unfortunate' Aunt Emily wouldn't let them sit on her favorite sofa. RELATED: 15 Song Covers We Want to Hear on Bridgerton Honoria offers to flag down a maid for tea while Richard and Seadown chat about women. Richard tries to appeal to Seadown's misogynistic views, even claiming that Conchita wasn't fun to be around after giving birth to Minnie. Of course, we know that he loves Conchita more than anyone and anything. Seadown claims that Jinny will never love him again. Richard casts intermittent glances toward the stairs, hoping Honoria ushers Jinny and Freddie out the door soon. Honoria finds Jinny, who's locked in her room. Jinny urges Honoria to save Freddie first. Honoria does just this, getting into the carriage with Freddie. Seadown eventually realizes what's happening. However, it's too late. Honoria and Freddie are already escaping in the carriage. A Struggle So, Richard races upstairs and kicks down the door to save Jinny. They find Seadown standing in the foyer, a gun trained on them. Richard puts Jinny behind him and attempts to reason with his younger brother. Then, Richard lunges toward the gun and the two wrestle over it. Richard yells at Jinny to run; he won't be far behind her. RELATED: Read our recaps of The Buccaneers Jinny flees, clad only in a dressing gown and barefoot. Inside the house, Richard continues trying to wrest control of the gun from Seadown. After Jinny escapes, Seadown begins sobbing. Richard comforts him and says he knows how much Seadown loves Jinny. Seadown pushes Richard away and presses the gun against his temple. Richard tries to pacify Seadown and defuse the tense situation. He asks Seadown to put the gun down. They'll figure out what comes next together. Seadown sits on the bench across from Richard, claiming the latter knows nothing about him. Seadown still has the gun pressed to his temple. Richard insists it's over; Jinny's gone. Jinny runs toward a large tree at the end of the yard. She ducks behind it and tries to catch her breath. Suddenly, she hears a gunshot emanating from the house. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 6, 'Every Single Piece of My Heart' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Tragedy Strikes in the Face of Victory Inside, Seadown sobs while still holding the gun. Richard lies in a pool of his own blood. Seadown apologizes over and over. Jinny sees Richard dead and runs. Then, we see her walk all the way back to London. Earlier, Honoria returned to the Brightlingsea/Marable house with Freddie. Now, they're all waiting with bated breath for Jinny and Richard. Jinny tearfully informs the group about Seadown killing Richard. Conchita sobs uncontrollably as Honoria, Mabel and Lizzy embrace her. My poor Conchita. The Buccaneers drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. Hair and Makeup Artist Jacquetta Levon Talks Incorporating Reality and Fantasy for THE SERPENT QUEEN Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.

Lionesses redefine 'fashionably late' with Euro 2025 semi-final victory
Lionesses redefine 'fashionably late' with Euro 2025 semi-final victory

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Lionesses redefine 'fashionably late' with Euro 2025 semi-final victory

In elite sport, punctuality is a necessity. The environs of professional football do not allow for players sauntering into training 10 minutes behind time, with such behaviour reprimanded with fines, or worse, being dropped. It is a regimented lifestyle that has no regard for the concept of 'fashionably late'. For the rest of us mere mortals, the term evokes a conundrum grappled with at every social gathering - the art of arriving when the atmosphere has built but not too late to miss the party. But on Tuesday night in Geneva, the otherwise punctual Lionesses brought a whole new meaning to the concept of lateness, as they twice delivered at the death to not just arrive at the party but bring it themselves. For all of 90 minutes, Sarina Wiegman's side had looked defeated. Italy's low block had worked to full effect as they packed bodies behind the ball with five at the back. A break forward on 33 minutes had seen Sofia Cantore surge down the right to cross for Barbara Bonansea to capitalise on England's profligacy in defence and rifle home at the far post. Their tactics were paying off to a tee and Wiegman looked reluctant to make changes to a side who looked out of ideas in attack. While the Italian support boogied on with rousing choruses emanating from a sea of blue, the English party seemed to be over before it had really started in Geneva as the band produced yet another limp rendition of the Sarina-adapted version of 'Tequila'. Had you arrived at this gathering before the 90th minute, you may very well have felt the party was winding down as hopes of a third consecutive major tournament final for the Lionesses waned. The empty glasses of past glories against the Netherlands and Wales remained scattered around as an overly intoxicated figure in the corner was trying to tell tales of that time three years ago when England won at Wembley. But while it might not pass on the training pitch, fashionably late is Wiegman's calling card when it comes to substitutions. And while some people try to time their arrival for the peak of the party, other bring it with them. In England's Euro 2025 semi-final, Michelle Agyemang proved just that person. Thrown on in the 85th minute as Wiegman sought change through the introduction of two upfront, with Aggie Beever-Jones entering alongside the 19-year-old, her impact would almost be instant once more. Having delivered the equaliser against Sweden, Agyemang lived up to her billing once more. With a name that means 'saviour of the nation' in Ghanaian Akan, the forward pounced on a rebound from Beth Mead's header, showed maturity to take a touch to her right before firing the equaliser home. For Wiegman, who relied on the last-minute impact once more, it almost came too late. Seven minutes of added time had been announced, and it was in the 96th minute that Agyemang found the net, and with it the aux cord to plug in a microphone and announce herself to a nation. As the England crowd erupted, the dying embers of hope were reignited in the Stade de Geneve as the Lionesses once more clawed themselves back from a seemingly impossible predicament. And they would do it again in extra-time. Every coach likes to profess that they do not ever plan for the game to go to penalties - a win in extra-time appearing the moral coaching high ground. But as Wiegman withdrew penalty taker after penalty taker with fans watching Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Lauren James depart the pitch before time, she could show proof of such a tact. Finishing the game with Lauren Hemp at left-back, Beth Mead operating in the space of a false nine sandwiched between Ella Toone and Agyemang with Beever-Jones and Chloe Kelly on the wings, it was kitchen sink football at its finest. But banking on a team that had taken 96 minutes to bag their first to score another inside another 30 appeared risky, but belief persisted. Reaching finals has become a culture within the Lionesses. A strong-willed determination to refuse to accept defeat appears to carry them over the line time and again. Regardless of performance or personnel, England will find a way and in the 119th minute referee Ivana Martincic pointed to the spot after Mead had been brought to the ground in the box. Enter party-bringer and player for the big moments Chloe Kelly. Stepping up with the familiar hop, skip and jump she fired her penalty low to the left where it was met by Laura Giuliani. But as if teasing the onlooking England crowd, she raced onto the rebound to fire home the winner to mark the latest goal scored in Women's EUROs history. As the party erupted in Geneva, Kelly, Agyemang and Wiegman had just redefined the meaning of fashionably late and in doing so sent England to the Euro 2025 final.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store