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Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Caruso steers Italy to 1-0 win over Belgium in Women's Euro 2025
SION, Switzerland -Italy won their first match in the Women's European Championship since 2017 as Arianna Caruso struck in the 44th minute to give them a 1-0 win over Belgium in their Group B opener on Thursday. HT Image Lucia Di Guglielmo's quick pass from the right found Caruso unguarded just outside the box and the Bayern Munich midfielder calmly curled a right-footed shot away from keeper Lisa Lichtfus to find the net by the near post. "It was what we wanted, the first match is always complicated," coach Andrea Soncin told RAI after Italy made their first winning start in the tournament since 2009. "We can definitely improve and we must if we want to continue to grow, but I am happy with the attitude we showed." Player of the match Caruso probed the Belgian defence with multiple attempts in the first 20 minutes, after the match began with a minute's silence following the death of Portuguese national men's team striker Diogo Jota in a car accident. Belgium had more of the ball in the first half and made 10 attempts, two more than Italy, but failed to take the lead when Mariam Toloba shot wide in the 26th minute and Tessa Wullaert missed the target from close range four minutes before Caruso's goal. Lichtfus's quick reflexes saved Cristiana Girelli's close range back-flick in the 64th minute to keep Belgium in the game, but the 2022 quarter-finalists were unable to find an equaliser as Italy comfortably held on to ensure victory. Italy will continue their campaign against Portugal on Monday, while Belgium play world champions Spain. "Feet on the ground," Soncin cautioned. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Italy show signs of living up to Euro 2025 dark horses tag – but tougher tests to come
Arianna Caruso's winning goal against Belgium was a good advert for Italy's new status as European Championship dark horses. In the 44th minute, the Bayern Munich midfielder received the ball from Lucia Di Guglielmo on the edge of the box and looked at first as though she'd taken too long. Amber Tysiak closed her down, but Caruso's smart touch to her right wrong-footed the Belgian defender and goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus. They were helpless as her finish flew left and into the net. Advertisement It fuelled the dark horse murmurs that have been building around Italy since they surprisingly finished top of a qualifying group that included the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland. The Italians are looking to shake a miserable recent major tournament record, exiting in the group stage of Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. With Spain and Portugal widely expected to finish top and bottom of Group B, this victory is a significant step towards qualifying as runners-up. The individual quality and flair that gave Italy their lead, and the tactical maturity they showed, are promising signs for their tournament. There wasn't a single talismanic player driving them on, but rather class sprinkled throughout and a clear, balanced gameplan. Fiorentina's Emma Severini was a constant thorn in Belgium's right side, impressing creatively as well as closing down their attempts to progress down the wings. Experienced Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli struggled to get on the ball, but still demonstrated the odd touch of magic. Lichtfus did well to instinctively keep out her audacious back-heeled flick inside the six-yard box midway through the second half. There was plenty of depth, too — substitute forward Michela Cambiaghi had two excellent chances. The star, though, was Caruso. As well as her stunning finish, she demonstrated physicality by successfully holding the ball up against the towering Justine Vanaevermaet in the second half, as well as shrugging off Marie Detruyer and Sari Kees on a driving central run to set up a shot for Cambiaghi. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said she was 'one of the top two players in terms of ball recoveries and tackles, she dominated the midfield with and without the ball.' Her two ambitious shots from the edge of the box in the second half showed a midfielder brimming with confidence. Advertisement It wasn't solely individual quality that carried Italy through — manager Andrea Soncin coached a mature, deserved win that balanced risk with pragmatism. Italy gambled by pressing Belgium's wing-backs early to close down their favoured method of attack, and it paid off; neither Jill Janssens nor Laura Deloose completed any successful dribbles. Soncin wasted little time with substitutions, withdrawing Lucia Di Guglielmo eight minutes into the second half when it became clear she was at risk of a second booking. What impressed most about Italy's performance was that they went after a second goal with gusto. They saw out a period of Belgian pressure immediately after halftime and were not intimidated; they went on to register nine shots to Belgium's one in the second half and came especially close to doubling their lead through Cambiaghi and Girelli. They did employ what a kind person would call game management and a cynic would call time-wasting, resulting in nine minutes of added time. However, there was no sign of the bashfulness or poor self-esteem that can undo 'underdog' sides at tournaments. 'It was so important to start like that,' Di Guglielmo said after the game. 'We knew it would be hard and it was. But we were able to suffer and stay in the match.' However, Italy are far from a complete package. Soncin admitted they could have been more clinical, and there were times when more intelligent positioning on the edge of the box would have opened up better attacking opportunities than the goalmouth scrambles they became entangled in. Advertisement Defensively, they looked vulnerable to transitions. In the 21st minute, Belgian Tessa Wullaert beat Elena Linari to the ball to win a goalkick and before Italy knew what was happening, Wullaert had driven deep into their half and whipped in a cross that Hannah Eurlings should have turned home. In the second half, goalkeeper Laura Giuliani was forced into some brave goalkeeping when a long ball over the top set Deloose running through on goal. Italy were fortunate that Belgium lacked cutting edge — they took 10 shots but managed only two on target. Spain, who put five goals past Portugal on Thursday night, will not show such mercy. Even Portugal, who have been naïve defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out. These dark horses have a soft underbelly. Belgium didn't strike it, but another side will. However, they've successfully jumped their first hurdle — and that has set them on course to progress. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Italy, Serie A, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Italy show signs of living up to Euro 2025 dark horses tag – but tougher tests to come
Arianna Caruso's winning goal against Belgium was a good advert for Italy's new status as European Championship dark horses. In the 44th minute, the Bayern Munich midfielder received the ball from Lucia Di Guglielmo on the edge of the box and looked at first as though she'd taken too long. Amber Tysiak closed her down, but Caruso's smart touch to her right wrong-footed the Belgian defender and goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus. They were helpless as her finish flew left and into the net. Advertisement It fuelled the dark horse murmurs that have been building around Italy since they surprisingly finished top of a qualifying group that included the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland. The Italians are looking to shake a miserable recent major tournament record, exiting in the group stage of Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. With Spain and Portugal widely expected to finish top and bottom of Group B, this victory is a significant step towards qualifying as runners-up. The individual quality and flair that gave Italy their lead, and the tactical maturity they showed, are promising signs for their tournament. There wasn't a single talismanic player driving them on, but rather class sprinkled throughout and a clear, balanced gameplan. Fiorentina's Emma Severini was a constant thorn in Belgium's right side, impressing creatively as well as closing down their attempts to progress down the wings. Experienced Juventus forward Cristiana Girelli struggled to get on the ball, but still demonstrated the odd touch of magic. Lichtfus did well to instinctively keep out her audacious back-heeled flick inside the six-yard box midway through the second half. There was plenty of depth, too — substitute forward Michela Cambiaghi had two excellent chances. The star, though, was Caruso. As well as her stunning finish, she demonstrated physicality by successfully holding the ball up against the towering Justine Vanaevermaet in the second half, as well as shrugging off Marie Detruyer and Sari Kees on a driving central run to set up a shot for Cambiaghi. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said she was 'one of the top two players in terms of ball recoveries and tackles, she dominated the midfield with and without the ball.' Her two ambitious shots from the edge of the box in the second half showed a midfielder brimming with confidence. Advertisement It wasn't solely individual quality that carried Italy through — manager Andrea Soncin coached a mature, deserved win that balanced risk with pragmatism. Italy gambled by pressing Belgium's wing-backs early to close down their favoured method of attack, and it paid off; neither Jill Janssens nor Laura Deloose completed any successful dribbles. Soncin wasted little time with substitutions, withdrawing Lucia Di Guglielmo eight minutes into the second half when it became clear she was at risk of a second booking. What impressed most about Italy's performance was that they went after a second goal with gusto. They saw out a period of Belgian pressure immediately after halftime and were not intimidated; they went on to register nine shots to Belgium's one in the second half and came especially close to doubling their lead through Cambiaghi and Girelli. They did employ what a kind person would call game management and a cynic would call time-wasting, resulting in nine minutes of added time. However, there was no sign of the bashfulness or poor self-esteem that can undo 'underdog' sides at tournaments. 'It was so important to start like that,' Di Guglielmo said after the game. 'We knew it would be hard and it was. But we were able to suffer and stay in the match.' However, Italy are far from a complete package. Soncin admitted they could have been more clinical, and there were times when more intelligent positioning on the edge of the box would have opened up better attacking opportunities than the goalmouth scrambles they became entangled in. Defensively, they looked vulnerable to transitions. In the 21st minute, Belgian Tessa Wullaert beat Elena Linari to the ball to win a goalkick and before Italy knew what was happening, Wullaert had driven deep into their half and whipped in a cross that Hannah Eurlings should have turned home. In the second half, goalkeeper Laura Giuliani was forced into some brave goalkeeping when a long ball over the top set Deloose running through on goal. Advertisement Italy were fortunate that Belgium lacked cutting edge — they took 10 shots but managed only two on target. Spain, who put five goals past Portugal on Thursday night, will not show such mercy. Even Portugal, who have been naïve defensively but have considerable pace in attack, could threaten in transition and Italy will need to shore up that element of their game to avoid being caught out. These dark horses have a soft underbelly. Belgium didn't strike it, but another side will. However, they've successfully jumped their first hurdle — and that has set them on course to progress. Top photo: Charlotte Wilson/UEFA via Getty Images
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Italy beats Belgium 1-0 in their Euro 2025 opener in what could prove to be a pivotal win
Italy secured what could prove to be a pivotal opening victory in the Women's European Championship by beating Belgium 1-0. Arianna Caruso scored on the stroke of halftime on Thursday (July 3, 2025) to give Italy an advantage in a tough Group B, which World Cup winner Spain is expected to top. The first two in the group will progress to the quarterfinals — and Belgium, Italy and Portugal will likely face a close battle for second. Two-time runner-up at the Euros, Italy hasn't reached the knockout stage since 2013. And the Azzurre will be cautious after winning their opener at the World Cup two years ago but failing to progress from the group. "Honestly, I don't like talking about the past but I think you also need to learn from it," Caruso said. "And it's happened before that we've won the first match and then things haven't gone well. "So it's right that we enjoy this victory, but from tomorrow we'll be thinking about the next matches because they will be as important as this one." Italy coach Andrea Soncin immediately interjected, saying: "also tonight on the bus." Caruso jokingly made a grimace before smiling. Italy plays Portugal on Monday and Spain four days later. Next up for Belgium is the world champion. "We don't have to make that game bigger than it is. It's just a game. It's against a really good team, but we have to create that mentality ourselves and create our own truth," Belgium coach Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir said. She added: "We've trained like crazy people, I can tell you that, and the players are mentally and physically ready to play the next game, even if it's against the world champions." Thursday's victory was also revenge for Italy, which lost to Belgium in the group stage at Euro 2022 and came into the match on a streak of three straight defeats to the Red Flames. UEFA announced earlier that a minute's silence would be observed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday in memory of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, who were killed in a car accident in Spain. That was observed impeccably at a packed Stade de Tourbillon in Sion. The first half was finely poised, with a lot of good moves from both sides but a lack of final product as neither goalkeeper was really troubled. The most threat came from Belgium captain and all-time top goalscorer Tessa Wullaert and the Inter Milan forward had the best chance five minutes from the break. Her initial shot was blocked and she then sent her second attempt just wide of the left post. Italy broke the deadlock just four minutes later. Lucia Di Guglielmo picked out Caruso, who had been left completely unmarked on the edge of the area by the Belgian defense, and the Bayern Munich midfielder advanced into the left side of the box before cutting in and curling into the near top corner. Cristiana Girelli almost doubled Italy's lead in stunning fashion in the 64th minute with a back-heeled attempt from close range that drew an impressively quick reflex save from Belgium goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus to turn it away with her foot. The ball then came out to Caruso but she fired narrowly wide. Lichtfus pulled off another crucial stop in the dying minutes to deny substitute Michela Cambiaghi as Italy had a number of chances to seal the result.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Group B opener at women's Euros
Italy's Arianna Caruso celebrates after scoring her side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group B soccer match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium. Andrea Amato/LiveMedia-IPA/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Italy beat Belgium 1-0 at women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland on Thursday in what could be a crucial victory in their bid for a place in knock-out stages. Arianna Caruso fired the winner in the 44th minute in Sion in Group B where world champions and top favourites Spain were facing Portugal later in the day in Bern. Advertisement Belgium beat Italy with the same score at the last edition in 2022 to reach the quarter-finals but they now face an uphill battle to repeat the feat. Twice former third-place finishers Italy will also need improvement in the coming games. A minute of silence was observed before kick-off in memory of Portugal and Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who died in an overnight car crash. Belgium largely contained the favoured Italians in the first half, and their star striker Tessa Wullaert aimed inches left in the 40th minute. But in the 44th Lucia Di Guglielmo set up Caruso to smash into the top left corner and put Italy ahead. Advertisement Belgium tried to fight back but Italy almost snatched a second in the 64th when Cristiana Girelli was denied by goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus at the near post, and Caruso aimed wide on the rebound. Substitute Michela Cambiaghi shot wide left in the 79th and was denied in the 88th by a big save from Lichtfus. Belgium next face Spain on Monday when Italy play Portugal. Italy's Arianna Caruso celebrates after scoring her side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group B soccer match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium. Andrea Amato/LiveMedia-IPA/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Italy's Arianna Caruso celebrates after scoring her side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Group B soccer match between Belgium and Italy at King Baudouin Stadium. Andrea Amato/LiveMedia-IPA/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
