There were tears, distress and disbelief for Italy's players after a 2-1 loss to England after extra time in the Women's European Championship semifinals.

Italy coach Andrea Soncin found solace in heartbreak after his side came within one minute of reaching the Euro 2025 final, saying it was an encouraging sign that they came so close before losing 2-1 to England in extra time on Tuesday.

A team mixing youth and experience has delivered the country's first semi-final in a major women's tournament since the 1990s

Italy is one win away from reaching the final of the Women’s European Championship, but just three years ago its players couldn’t even get professional contracts back home.