Portugal vs Italy Draw: Late Gomes Goal Fuels Quarter-Final Push

Portugal vs Italy produced the kind of drama that makes tournament football irresistible, as a stoppage-time header from centre-back Diana Gomes rescued a 1-1 draw and kept Portugal alive in their bid to reach the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals. The Group B showdown in Wrexham had looked destined to go Italy’s way after veteran striker Cristiana Girelli struck early, but Francisco Neto’s side refused to wilt. With this result, both nations remain in the hunt for knockout qualification, while group leaders Spain are already through.

Match Recap: Portugal vs Italy Ends All Square

The opening quarter-hour belonged to the Azzurre. Valentina Bergamaschi marauded down the right, Elisa Bartoli overlapped on the left, and Portugal struggled to match Italy’s crisp passing tempo. That pressure told on 16 minutes when Lisa Boattin’s curling cross located Girelli, whose glancing header crept past keeper Patricia Morais. It was the fourth time in five competitive meetings that Italy had scored first in a Portugal vs Italy clash, underscoring their fast-start reputation.

Neto’s charges gradually settled, with Andreia Norton dictating from deep and Telma Encarnação testing Francesca Durante from distance. The equaliser, however, remained elusive. Moments before half-time, a VAR review denied Portugal a penalty when Dolores Silva appeared to be impeded at a corner—another flashpoint in a rivalry that rarely lacks controversy.

Diana Gomes Delivers at the Death

After the break, Portugal adopted a braver 4-3-3 shape. Winger Jessica Silva pinned Bartoli back, creating overloads that stretched the Italian rearguard. Still, Durante stood firm, palming away Norton’s free-kick and smothering a point-blank drive from Carolina Mendes. Italy, sitting deeper, trusted in Girelli and substitute Arianna Caruso to counter, yet squandered two clear breaks that could have settled the contest.

The turning point arrived in the 92nd minute. Substitute Kika Nazareth arced a teasing corner to the back post where Diana Gomes rose imperiously between Elena Linari and Martina Lenzini, powering a header into the roof of the net. Portuguese fans erupted, the bench emptied in celebration, and the latest chapter of Portugal vs Italy folklore was written.

Tactical Tweaks Pay Off

Neto’s decision to unleash Nazareth and switch Dolores Silva to a screening role liberated Portugal’s full-backs to surge forward. Conversely, Italian coach Milena Bertolini perhaps retreated too soon, withdrawing dynamic midfielder Manuela Giugliano for Lucia Di Guglielmo and surrendering central control. Those tactical gambles framed the dramatic finale.

What the Result Means for the Group

Spain’s 3-0 victory over Belgium earlier in the day secured La Roja’s passage, leaving Portugal, Italy and Belgium to scrap for the remaining quarter-final berth. With four points, Italy still hold second place on goal difference, but Portugal’s late strike lifts them to three points and crucial momentum. Should Portugal defeat Belgium in their final fixture and Italy fail to upset already-qualified Spain, the Selecção would squeeze through. For Italy, the equation is simpler: match Portugal’s result and avoid a heavy defeat.

Head-to-head records could yet come into play. Portugal vs Italy ended level, but Portugal boast fewer disciplinary points, an often-forgotten tie-breaker that may loom large if goal differences converge.

Reaction from Coaches and Players

Italian Frustration

“We controlled 80 minutes,” lamented Bertolini. “In tournaments, a single lapse is fatal. We must be braver in closing games.” Linari echoed her coach’s sentiment: “Concentration is everything. We switched off for one corner and paid the price.”

Portuguese Belief

Neto hailed his side’s resilience: “This team never stops believing. Diana Gomes epitomises our spirit.” The match-winner herself was beaming: “I dreamed of scoring for my country at a Euros. Now we fight to finish the job.”

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures

Portugal’s Path

The decisive encounter against Belgium looms large. Portugal will travel to Cardiff knowing victory, perhaps even by a one-goal margin, could suffice. Neto must decide whether to persist with the youthful exuberance of Nazareth and Lúcia Almeida or revert to the experience of Mendes and Norton. Defensive solidity remains paramount; another concession could be terminal.

Italy’s Challenge

Italy face Spain in Swansea. La Roja might rest several starters, yet their possession game can exhaust opponents. Bertolini’s side may need to press higher than usual, leveraging Julia Dragoni’s energy in midfield. A disciplined back line—anchored by Linari and Laura Sempreoni—must also cope with the mercurial Jenni Hermoso if selected.

Why Portugal vs Italy Matters for Women’s Football

This fixture has become a barometer for the rising competitiveness of mid-tier European nations. Ten years ago, Portugal rarely troubled traditional powers; today, they can look Italy in the eye and snatch vital points. Increased domestic investment, the creation of Portugal’s Liga BPI and Italy’s Serie A Femminile, and UEFA’s expanded pathways are fostering parity.

Moreover, audiences are responding. The Wrexham crowd of 12,214 set a stadium record for a women’s international, while broadcast figures on RTP and RAI peaked at a combined 3.4 million viewers. Sponsors note these trends, injecting further resources that will hopefully create a virtuous cycle of growth.

Opinion

In my view, the significance of this Portugal vs Italy draw extends beyond the immediate standings. It showcased tactical sophistication, mental toughness and rising depth on both benches. For Portugal, Gomes’s late leveller should serve as a catalyst, not a consolation. Maintain that intensity against Belgium and they can gate-crash the quarters. For Italy, the lesson is ruthless clarity: keep pressing, keep playing, because in modern women’s football a one-goal cushion is never enough.