Spain vs Italy Thriller Ends 2-1 as La Roja Top Group

Spain vs Italy produced a pulsating finale to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group phase, with Patricia Guijarro’s long-range bullet and Esther González’s poacher’s finish overturning an early setback and securing a 2-1 victory that underscores La Roja’s growing tournament authority. Despite the loss, the Azzurre sneaked into the knockout stage on goal difference, their four-point tally enough to edge out Norway after a dramatic night of simultaneous kick-offs.

Spain vs Italy comeback confirms Group A supremacy

When the sides met in Gothenburg, Italy grabbed the initiative inside 14 minutes. Cristiana Girelli ghosted between Spain’s centre-backs to nod in Martina Rosucci’s pinpoint cross and briefly silence a partisan red-and-yellow-clad crowd. The goal shocked Jorge Vilda’s team, who had previously cruised past Sweden and Norway. Yet the response was immediate and relentless: slick passing triangles, relentless pressing, and a midfield masterclass from Guijarro, whose energy dictated tempo and recovered possession.

Guijarro’s rocket flips the momentum

The equaliser arrived five minutes before the break. Pressured on their own 18-yard line, Italy half-cleared to Guijarro. The Barça schemer took one touch and unleashed a swerving 25-yard drive that whistled past goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. It was Guijarro’s second goal of the tournament and a statement of intent from a player already touted for the Golden Ball. “As soon as it left my boot I knew it was in,” she smiled afterwards. “But the most important thing is the team result.”

Esther González strikes decisive blow

Spain vs Italy tilted decisively on 62 minutes. Aitana Bonmatí threaded a disguised reverse pass that split the Italian back line. Olga Carmona’s low cross seemed harmless until Esther González reacted quicker than Elena Linari, stabbing in from six yards. The forward’s celebration, arms outstretched toward the travelling fans, symbolised Spain’s transformation from potential contenders into genuine favourites.

Tactical battle: possession versus pragmatism

Vilda stuck to his 4-3-3 blueprint, pushing full-backs high and relying on Guijarro to shield the counter. Italy boss Andrea Soncin opted for a flexible 3-5-2, hoping to clog midfield lanes and spring Girelli on the break. For half an hour the ploy worked, but Spain’s superior technical quality gradually eroded Italian resistance. By full-time La Roja had enjoyed 68% possession, completed 612 passes, and registered 14 shots to Italy’s five.

Key player ratings

• Patricia Guijarro – 9/10: Dominant, decisive, and tireless, her goal shifted momentum.
• Aitana Bonmatí – 8/10: Orchestrated play, recorded her third assist of the competition.
• Laura Giuliani – 7/10: Kept Italy alive with four excellent saves despite conceding twice.
• Cristiana Girelli – 7/10: Took her sole chance clinically but grew isolated in second half.

What the result means for both nations

Spain finish with a perfect nine points, their best ever Women’s Euro group return, and will face the Group C runner-up—likely England or Denmark—in Bilbao. Italy sit second on four points, identical to Norway, but advance thanks to a superior goal difference of +1. Soncin acknowledged fortune: “We must learn quickly; the margin for error in the knockouts is zero.”

Group A final standings

1. Spain – 9 pts (+6 GD)
2. Italy – 4 pts (-1 GD)
3. Norway – 4 pts (-2 GD)
4. Sweden – 0 pts (-3 GD)

Looking ahead: quarter-final intrigue

Spain vs Italy may be over, but the ripple effects will shape the quarter-final narrative. Spain’s fluid midfield triangle of Guijarro, Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas has emerged as the tournament’s gold standard. Questions linger over the central defence, where Irene Paredes and Ivana Andrés were occasionally exposed by Girelli’s movement. Meanwhile, Italy must address creative deficits; beyond Valentina Cernoia’s set-piece threat, chances were scarce. Soncin hinted at a possible switch to 4-4-2 to provide wider supply to Girelli and Barbara Bonansea.

Historical context

This was only the fourth competitive Spain vs Italy meeting in women’s football; Spain now lead the series 2-1-1. More tellingly, La Roja have not lost a Euro finals match since their 2017 quarter-final exit. Italy, conversely, return to the knockouts for the first time since 2013, a considerable achievement for a squad undergoing generational change.

Primary focus keyword spotlight: Spain vs Italy rivalry grows

The Spain vs Italy rivalry, once dominated by the Azzurre in the men’s arena, is flipping at women’s level. Grass-roots investment, a thriving Primera División, and a core of FC Barcelona stars have fast-tracked Spain’s ascendancy. Italy’s Serie A Femminile only turned fully professional in 2022, and although strides are evident, depth remains an issue. UEFA officials confirmed the encounter drew 9.3 million television viewers across Europe, highlighting the commercial pull of this burgeoning rivalry.

Match statistics at a glance

Statistic	Spain	Italy
Possession	68%	32%
Shots (on target)	14 (6)	5 (2)
Corners	7	2
Pass accuracy	89%	72%
Fouls committed	10	14

Quotes from the camps

Jorge Vilda, Spain coach: “We talked about resilience before kick-off. Conceding early actually tested that concept and the players responded brilliantly. Patricia’s goal was world-class.”

Andrea Soncin, Italy coach: “Our objective was to stay compact and hit quickly. We achieved half of that. Credit to Spain, they exploited the smallest gaps. Qualifying gives us another chance to improve.”

Fans and media reaction

Social media exploded with praise for Guijarro, the hashtag #GuijarroGolazo trending worldwide within minutes. Italian outlets lamented “a brave but blunt performance,” while Spanish daily Marca led with “La Roja manda y enamora” (“La Roja commands and enchants”). UEFA’s official account shared drone footage of the post-match celebrations as Spanish flags engulfed the stadium’s south stand.

How to watch the quarter-finals

The Spain vs Italy broadcast numbers illustrate a hunger for high-quality women’s football. UEFA has confirmed all knockout matches will air free-to-air in participating nations, with streaming on UEFA.tv for other territories. Spain’s quarter-final is scheduled for 20 July, 21:00 CET, at San Mamés. Italy play a day earlier in Lyon against the winner of Group B.

Opinion: Spain now tournament favourites

Spain’s ability to recover from an early blow while imposing their stylistic identity cements their status as favourites. With Guijarro peaking and squad depth unmatched, only complacency or unforced defensive errors can derail their pursuit of a maiden European crown. Italy, though fortunate, have grit and could spring a surprise if their attackers receive better service. For neutrals, a potential semi-final rematch would be a mouth-watering prospect.