In an exciting clash at the Euro 2025 semi-finals, both England and Italy made strategic changes to their starting line-ups. England has opted to replace Jess Carter with Esme Morgan, while Italy has brought in Martina Lenzini to strengthen their defense by substituting out midfielder Emma Severini. Notably, England’s captain, Leah Williamson, is set to play despite an ankle issue that previously required her to wear a protective boot after the match against Sweden.
Updated Team Line-ups (20:01 CEST):
England: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood, Toone, Walsh, Stanway, James, Russo, Hemp.
Subs: Moorhouse, Charles, Mead, Le Tissier, Clinton, Carter, Agyemang, Kelly, Beever-Jones, Park, Wubben-Moy, Keating.
Italy: Giuliani, Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, Di Guglielmo, Caruso, Giugliano, Bonansea, Oliviero, Girelli, Cantore.
Subs: Baldi, Schatzer, Severini, Piemonte, Piga, Bergamaschi, Serturini, Goldoni, Boattin, Greggi, Cambiaghi, Durante.
Referee: Ivana Martincic (Croatia).
In a surprising twist, neither team will don their traditional kits for this crucial semi-final. England has chosen to forgo their classic white jerseys, opting instead for a striking combination of red, black, purple, and two shades of blue. On the other hand, Italy will sport a green kit, which aligns more closely with their national flag than the traditional Savoy azure. However, many fans feel that Italy's choice of adidas for their kits is unconventional, with a preference for brands like Diadora, Kappa, or Puma for national representation.
Both England and Italy reached the semi-finals after overcoming Scandinavian opponents, showcasing their strength and determination in the tournament. England's journey has been less than straightforward, marked by a defeat to France and being outplayed by Sweden, with a few missed penalties along the way. Despite these challenges, the Lionesses have shown resilience and possess the talent to make a significant impact if they can finally find their rhythm.
England's Historical Edge: The Lionesses have a strong track record against Italy, having won their last two encounters with a combined score of 7-2. This history positions Sarina Wiegman’s squad as the favorites going into this match. However, Italy is riding high after reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1997 and defeating a formidable Norway team. Wiegman acknowledges the challenge ahead: “We will have to be at our very, very best to win,” emphasizing the need for her team to perform at their peak.
The match is set to kick off in Geneva at 8 PM UK time. As the anticipation builds, both teams will be eager to secure their place in the final, making this semi-final a must-watch event for football fans across Europe.
