By Jamie Spencer
A spot within the ultimate
An England facet that performs higher than anybody else at main tournaments is in search of to make it to a 3rd successive ultimate on the Euros and World Cup. For Italy, this chance to achieve one other main ultimate has been 28 years within the making.
The Lionesses have appeared crushed a few instances already, humbled by France within the group stage after which discovering themselves 2-0 down within the quarter-final in opposition to Sweden till the ultimate 12 minutes. However huge wins over the Netherlands and Wales, and a chaotic final eight comeback, demonstrated an uncanny potential to get the job completed when it issues most.
Italy adopted Spain out of Group B, beating Belgium and drawing with Portugal both facet of a loss in opposition to the reigning world champions. A 90th minute quarter-final winner in opposition to Norway, having earlier been forward, resulted in a primary semi-final look since Euro 1997.
Head-to-head
England thrashed Italy 5-1 in a 2024 pleasant and secured a 2-1 win within the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup. On account of a dominant edge within the Nineties, when England didn’t file a single win in opposition to Le Azzurre, Italy lead the general head-to-head file, victorious in 14 of 32 prior conferences, in comparison with England’s 12. However Italy haven’t crushed England since 2012.
Italy’s former glories
Italy have been one of many early powerhouses of girls’s worldwide soccer, contesting every of the primary 5 European Championships when it was only a four-team match. They have been runners-up to Norway in 1993 and once more reached the ultimate in 1997 when the competitors was first expanded to eight groups. However then got here a hunch that they’ve by no means absolutely emerged from.
The nice hope is that after a stunning run to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2019 however group stage exits on the Euros in 2017, 2022 and the World Cup in 2023, this summer time might be extra of a everlasting catalyst. The opposite facet of that coin is loads of expertise will quickly be misplaced, with seven of the 23 gamers chosen this summer time aged 31 or older.
‘Correct England’
It’s been the thrill phrase across the squad because the opening defeat to France, coined by Georgia Stanway, who was one among many who have been subpar in that first sport. When ‘Correct England’ present up, because the Netherlands, Wales and, ultimately, Sweden, discovered, they’re among the many best possible round.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, participant of the match in opposition to Sweden, places it all the way down to “English blood”, the angle that it’s by no means over till it’s over.
Workforce information
England have been sweating on the health of captain Leah Williamson after rolling her ankle the quarter-final, however the Arsenal defender skilled on Monday together with all 22 different gamers within the squad.
Italy midfielders Arianna Caruso and Manuela Giugliano have been working within the health club to beat health points on Monday and will stay doubts. Veteran ahead Cristiana Girelli has scored three of Italy’s 5 objectives on the match, together with each in opposition to Norway final day out.
Prediction
England’s quarter-final in opposition to Sweden was the more durable activity, which bodes effectively for the Lionesses, particularly after the character of that sport. What works in Italy’s favour is a day’s additional relaxation and preparation time, however that doesn’t really feel like sufficient to make a decisive distinction. England 3-1 Italy.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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