Having cut a calm, perfectly poised figure throughout the first three weeks of Euro 2025, Andrea Soncin allowed some emotion into his normally calculated words.

“We have a huge dream to fulfil: reaching the final of this Euros,” the Italy manager said ahead of his team’s semi-final against England in Geneva on Tuesday evening.

The Azzurre arrived in Switzerland as dark horses on the back of winning their qualifying group and finishing second in their UEFA Nations League and have lived up to expectations.

Having reached the last eight for the first time in 12 years, Italy punched their first semi-final ticket in 28 years courtesy of Cristiana Girelli’s last-minute winner against Norway.

The reward is a meeting with the Lionesses, European champions and World Cup runners-up two years ago. It is testament to Soncin’s work that Italy head into the semi justifiably confident in their chances.

Four years ago, Italy finished bottom of their group with a solitary point. Twelve months later, they missed out on a place in the round of 16 at the World Cup after conceding a 92nd-minute goal against South Africa.

Suddenly, the memories of the side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup after finishing ahead of Australia in their group were fading fast.

Under Soncin, however, Italy are making new memories. Having beaten Belgium in their tournament opener, only an 89th-minute equaliser against Portugal prevented them from securing qualification for the round of 16 with a game to spare.

Defeat by Spain proved inconsequential and Italy more than held their own against the world champions, taking an early lead before conceding three goals.

Norway were next up, dispatched by Girelli’s brace, which brought her tally to 61 international goals in 124 caps for her country. The Juventus star confirmed over the weekend this would be her last Euros, meaning Tuesday could be her final appearance for Italy at a major tournament, and the 35-year-old is determined to bow out on a high.

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “It’s really something special. I felt something different – something special – in this team. I’ve seen a special light in the eyes of my team-mates. It’s history for Italian women’s football. I’m so happy and proud for this team.”

Reaching the final – which would be Italy’s first since 1997 – would be a fitting denouement for Girelli, who has been a totemic figure in Italian women’s football, dragging the sport from amateurism into professionalism.

Girelli has spent the entirety of her 19-year career in her homeland, a decision which may have prevented her from becoming even more recognised at international level.

“Throughout her career, she’s received less recognition than she truly deserves, both for her technical ability and her character,” Soncin said.

If Girelli is chasing a fairytale ending to her career, England are still on track to become only the second team in the history of the tournament to defend their title after Germany won six consecutive editions between 1995 and 2013.

The Lionesses have put defeat in their opener against France firmly behind them by thumping the Netherlands and Wales, before snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the quarter-final against Sweden.

Trailing by two goals with 11 minutes to go, England scored through Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang before winning on penalties.

A repeat of the World Cup final against Spain may loom large on the horizon, but the Lionesses are all too aware of the dangers of taking Italy lightly.

“It would be really disrespectful to Italy to think we’re favourites,” England boss Sarina Wiegman said. “They made the semi-final just like we did and that’s very impressive for any team. Complacency is the biggest mistake you can make. We will have to be at our very, very best to win.”

Only Spain have a higher average possession than England’s 58% at the tournament, while Italy ranked 11th, but the Azzurre have been all too happy to allow their opponents to have the ball.

And while they have at times struggled to create clear chances, Italy can expose a defence that at times has looked far from solid. Whether they can cope with England’s attacking power in Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Lauren James, is another matter.

Italy have come a long way under Soncin, but are yet to win two consecutive games. Buck the trend on Tuesday and they will meet Spain or Germany in the final on Sunday.