In a gripping clash at the Stade de Genève on Monday, July 7, 2025, Portugal's women's national team fought valiantly to secure a 1-1 draw against Italy in their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group B match. This result kept Portugal’s hopes alive in the tournament, offering a glimmer of hope after their heavy 5-0 defeat to Spain in the opening round.
The match was a tale of resilience and tactical battles, with Italy coming into the fixture buoyed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Belgium, courtesy of Arianna Caruso’s goal just before halftime. Italy’s win had placed them level with Spain at the top of Group B, both teams holding three points each. Portugal, meanwhile, was desperate for points after a tough start to their campaign.
Portugal’s journey in the tournament had been challenging so far, marked by their inability to win a match since February and a crushing loss to their Iberian rivals Spain. The team looked to bounce back and showcase their fighting spirit against Italy, a side that had struggled in recent international tournaments, failing to progress beyond the group stages in the last two European Championships and exiting early in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The match kicked off with high intensity, with Italy seeming the more composed side in the early stages. Italy’s captain Cristiana Girelli, the team’s highest active goalscorer, was a constant threat, orchestrating attacks and testing Portugal’s defense. Early in the game, Girelli had a chance following a fine cross from Cantore but was denied by Portugal’s goalkeeper Morais, who made a crucial save to keep the scoreline level.
Portugal struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances, managing only seven shots throughout the match, fewer than Spain’s on-target attempts in their previous encounter. The Portuguese attack was spearheaded by Jessica Silva and Diana Silva, with the latter coming agonizingly close to scoring when a header rebounded off the post. Though she reacted quickly to tap the ball in, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for offside, a decision that frustrated the Portuguese side and fans alike.
As the match progressed, Italy maintained a disciplined defensive shape, often sitting deep and inviting Portugal to break them down. Despite Portugal’s efforts to push forward, including dangerous crosses whipped into the box by Gomes and Jacinto, Italy’s defense, led by the experienced Lenzini, held firm. Italy had their own chances, with Caruso and Cantore creating opportunities, but Portugal’s goalkeeper Morais was in fine form, making several key saves to keep her side in the game.
The breakthrough for Italy came in the 72nd minute through Girelli, who cut in from the left and unleashed a stunning 20-yard strike into the top corner. The veteran forward’s emotional celebration underscored the importance of the goal for Italy, which seemed to put them on course for progression with a game to spare.
However, Portugal refused to back down. In the dying moments of the game, the Portuguese pressed relentlessly, culminating in a well-worked goal by Diana Gomes. After a series of quick passes and a dangerous cross from the byline by Dolores Silva, Gomes steered the ball home, leveling the score and sparking wild celebrations among the Portuguese players and supporters.
The match’s intensity peaked in stoppage time when Portugal’s Ana Borges was sent off following a second yellow card for a reckless challenge pushing Italy’s Bonansea into the hoardings. This red card added drama to the closing moments, but Portugal managed to hold on for the draw, a result that kept their Euro 2025 hopes alive.
Portugal’s head coach Francisco Neto had to navigate the absence of key player Kika Nazareth, sidelined with an ankle injury, while the likes of Ana Seica and Ana Borges pushed for starting roles after coming on as substitutes in previous games. Italy’s coach Andrea Soncin opted to maintain consistency, fielding the same starting eleven that secured victory against Belgium, with Girelli leading the line and Giada Greggi aiming to regain full fitness following her recent injury.
The match was broadcast live on FOX in the United States, with streaming options available on FuboTV, ViX, and DirecTV, allowing fans to catch all the action from Geneva. The game was part of a busy day of Group B fixtures, following Spain’s win over Belgium which secured Spain’s place in the quarter-finals and eliminated Belgium from contention.
Looking ahead, Portugal will need to build on this hard-fought draw as they aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their Euro history. Italy, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their momentum and address their recent struggles in international tournaments to make a deeper run in the competition.
Meanwhile, the broader tournament continues to deliver thrilling moments, with Netherlands’ Vivianne Miedema recently hitting a milestone of 100 international goals in a commanding 3-0 victory over Wales. The Women’s Euro 2025 has showcased the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s football, with teams battling fiercely under the Swiss summer sun.
As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more exciting fixtures, including upcoming matches such as Germany versus Denmark and Sweden facing Poland, both scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The stage is set for an intense battle as teams vie for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
For now, Portugal and Italy share the spoils in a match that epitomized determination, tactical nuance, and the unpredictable drama of tournament football. Both teams will reflect on this encounter as they prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing that every point counts in the quest for Euro glory.
