Spain Beats Italy, Advances Undefeated at Euro 2025 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Spain rallied to defeat Italy 3-1 in a thrilling final group match at the 2025 Women’s European Championship. Despite the loss, Italy also advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years. Spain dominated the group stage, scoring a tournament-record 14 goals.
Quick Looks
- Score: Spain 3, Italy 1 — final group match.
- Comeback Victory: Italy led early, but Spain quickly responded and controlled the second half.
- Athenea Del Castillo Impact: Scored and assisted in her first start.
- Italy’s Historic Advance: First quarterfinal berth since 2013, despite defeat.
- Spain’s Offensive Record: 14 goals in group stage, tying England’s Euro 2022 record.
- Rested Starters: Spain rotated key players ahead of knockout round.
- Next Matches: Spain vs. Switzerland; Italy vs. Norway.
- Bonmatí Returns: Ballon d’Or winner back after illness, praised by coach.
Deep Look
Tournament favorites Spain showcased their championship mettle with a 3-1 comeback victory over Italy in their final Women’s Euro 2025 group-stage match on Friday. The win not only secured Spain a perfect group stage record — a first in their Euro history — but also reinforced their dominance as they head into the knockout rounds. Despite the loss, Italy advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in over a decade, marking a significant milestone for their women’s program.
Italy Strikes First, Upsets the Momentum Early
The match opened with unexpected drama as Italy took a surprising lead in the 10th minute. Defender Elisabetta Oliviero calmly finished from inside the box after a defensive error by Spain’s Mariona Caldentey, whose misjudged touch in her own area gifted Italy an opportunity. Moments earlier, Italian captain Elena Linari had rattled the crossbar with a powerful header — a signal that the Azzurre were not intimidated by Spain’s firepower.
Italy’s early aggression and well-organized pressing unsettled the Spanish defense, which had been rarely tested in previous matches. With 13 total shots on goal, the Italians posed a consistent threat and forced Spain to respond quickly.
Del Castillo Sparks the Comeback
Spain’s equalizer came just four minutes after falling behind, orchestrated and completed by Athenea del Castillo in her first start of the tournament. Known for her blistering pace and dribbling, Del Castillo slalomed through the Italian defense and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance that lifted Spain’s confidence and tilted the momentum.
Del Castillo continued her electric form into the second half. In the 49th minute, she delivered another signature run that ended in a loose ball falling to Patri Guijarro, who struck a composed low finish into the corner to make it 2-1. It was the beginning of the end for Italy’s resistance.
In stoppage time, Esther González, the tournament’s leading scorer, struck her fourth goal to seal the result — capitalizing on Italy’s fatigue and solidifying her claim as one of the breakout stars of Euro 2025.
Tactical Flexibility and Squad Rotation Pay Off
With a quarterfinal clash against host Switzerland looming, Spain head coach Montse Tomé made several key rotations. Star defenders Laia Aleixandri and Ona Batlle were rested to avoid suspension risk due to yellow cards, and key offensive players such as Vicky López, Clàudia Pina, and González began on the bench.
The changes not only preserved legs for the knockout rounds but also showcased Spain’s depth. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí returned to the starting XI for the first time after recovering from viral meningitis. Her quiet yet effective presence helped steady the midfield and link up with Del Castillo, Guijarro, and Alexia Putellas, who notched her third assist of the tournament with a slick back-heel to set up the opening goal.
Coach Tomé praised Bonmatí’s resilience post-match:
“She came from a complex situation. It’s not easy for her. But she did a good job.”
Spain’s Historic Group Stage Performance
With 3 wins and 14 goals scored (including 5 against Portugal and 6 against Belgium), Spain tied England’s 2022 record for most goals in the group stage of a Women’s European Championship. England went on to lift the trophy — a sign Spain will be hoping to replicate.
Spain’s attacking efficiency, versatility, and control in possession make them the team to beat. However, their brief defensive lapses, as seen in Italy’s goal and several close chances, indicate vulnerabilities that stronger quarterfinal opponents may try to exploit.
Italy’s Resurgence and Quarterfinal Return
Despite the loss, Italy progressed to the quarterfinals for the first time since Euro 2013 — thanks to earlier results and Portugal’s 2-1 loss to Belgium. The Azzurre finished second in the group, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Norway in Geneva.
Veteran goalkeeper Laura Giuliani celebrated her 100th cap, marking the occasion with pride despite the result:
“We gave everything. The only goal we had was to go forward.”
Italy’s blend of experience and youth, led by Giuliani and Linari, could make them a dark horse in the next round. However, the team will need to tighten its defense and find more consistent offensive production if they are to compete with Norway’s dynamic attack.
What’s Next?
- Spain vs. Switzerland – Friday, Bern
- Italy vs. Norway – Wednesday, Geneva
Spain enters the knockout phase as the highest-scoring side of the tournament, while Italy arrives with a renewed sense of belief and the weight of history off their shoulders.
If Del Castillo, González, and Bonmatí continue to find rhythm, Spain could very well march toward their first European title.
Spain Beats Italy Spain Beats Italy
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