Italy’s women’s football team marked a remarkable milestone by securing a spot in the semifinals of Euro 2025 after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Norway on March 27, 2024. The late match hero was veteran striker Cristiana Girelli, who scored both goals, propelling her team to their first semifinal appearance since 1997. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike, highlighting the significance of Girelli’s contributions to the sport.

With over 120 caps and 60 goals in her impressive 12-year international career, Girelli’s performance was a fitting narrative for a team that has seen substantial growth. Italy’s women’s football only became fully professional three years ago, having previously operated under amateur status since 1981, where players could earn a maximum of €30,000 annually. The national team has participated in every Euro tournament except for the 1995 edition, marking a total of 11 appearances.

Girelli expressed her emotions following the quarterfinal victory: “It’s a dream that becomes reality. Since we arrived in Switzerland, but also when we started the camp, I felt something special. I saw in the eyes of my teammates something I can’t explain in words.” Under the guidance of manager Andrea Soncin, who took the helm in September 2023, the team’s unity and connection have played a crucial role in their success thus far.

The camaraderie within the squad is palpable. Forward Michela Cambiaghi described the team as “down-to-earth girls brought together by a shared dream” and emphasized their ability to support each other even in tense moments. Italy has fully embraced the tournament atmosphere, celebrating each victory together and creating cherished memories.

After their group stage performance, which included a disappointing 3-1 loss to Spain, the team’s resilience shone through as they relied on other results to advance. Following the match, players gathered around defender Elisabetta Oliviero to listen to the critical outcome from the Portugal versus Belgium match. The moment culminated in jubilant celebrations, with players singing along to Natasha Bedingfield‘s song “Unwritten,” capturing the essence of their journey.

The celebratory spirit has been a consistent theme throughout Italy’s campaign, with music serving as a backdrop to their triumphs. After defeating Denmark 3-0 in the Nations League, midfielder Arianna Caruso suggested bringing a Bluetooth speaker to games, a move that has become central to their celebrations. The atmosphere within the team, characterized by positivity and joy, has been a defining feature of their performance.

Soncin, a former striker with experience in lower-league Italian football, has made significant strides in rebuilding the squad after a series of disappointing tournaments. His meticulous approach to training, which includes intensive gym sessions and focused analyses of opponents, reflects his commitment to the team’s growth. The medical staff, dressed in Armani suits and football boots, further illustrates the professionalism Soncin has instilled within the team.

As Italy prepares to face defending champions England in the semifinals, their recent success has positioned them as underdogs with nothing to lose. While England has a strong historical advantage, having won their last encounter 5-1 in a friendly match in February 2024, Italy’s determination and confidence cannot be underestimated.

The team’s meticulous preparation extends to watching the Spain versus Switzerland quarterfinal in anticipation of potential future matchups. With a mindset focused on enjoying every moment, Italy is ready to embrace the challenge ahead. As the iconic celebration song suggests, “the rest is still unwritten,” and Italy stands poised to write a new chapter in their football history against England in Geneva.

In an exciting sporting crossover event, the Indian cricket team met with players from the iconic football club Manchester United on July 20, 2025. During this unique gathering, held at Manchester United’s training ground in Carrington, both teams exchanged jerseys and engaged in light-hearted drills, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie between two of the world’s most popular sports.

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) showcased the meeting on social media under the caption “United in Manchester,” featuring several images of players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant sharing moments with their football counterparts. One memorable image captured Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj bowling to star defender Harry Maguire, exemplifying the playful integration of cricket and football.

Symbolic Exchange and Collaborative Spirit

The event was made possible through a collaboration with Adidas, the leading sportswear manufacturer. It began with a warm welcome from senior Manchester United officials and club legends, setting a positive tone for the interactions that followed. Notably, coaches Gautam Gambhir of the Indian cricket team and Ruben Amorim of Manchester United were seen together, a moment that quickly gained traction on social media.

As the teams engaged in various activities, including football drills and informal conversations, several players took the opportunity to connect personally. Pictures featured Gill posing with football star Bruno Fernandes, Siraj conversing with Amad Diallo, and Jasprit Bumrah sharing a laugh with Mason Mount and Maguire. A joint photo of both teams and their support staff captured the essence of the collaboration.

The day also included a special segment where coaches exchanged insights on leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the similarities in managing elite athletes across different sports. According to Adidas, this initiative marked a significant moment in sports, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to not only providing premium gear but also fostering connections among teams from diverse sporting backgrounds.

Upcoming Challenges for Team India

The Indian cricket team’s visit to Manchester coincides with their preparation for the fourth Test against England, scheduled for July 23, 2025. Currently, England leads the five-match series 2-1, having secured victories at Leeds and London, while India claimed a win at Birmingham. The team is focused on regaining momentum as they face this crucial challenge.

This meeting between the Indian cricket team and Manchester United exemplifies the growing trend of collaboration among different sports, showcasing the unifying power of athletics and the shared values of teamwork, respect, and passion. As both teams continue their respective journeys, this unique interaction will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in their sporting narratives.

England defender Jess Carter has bravely spoken out about experiencing racial abuse online during the ongoing Women’s European Championship. Despite her team’s successful journey to the semifinals, the 27-year-old has faced significant criticism following England’s opening match against France, which ended in a loss.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Carter detailed her distressing experience. “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse,” she wrote on Sunday. “Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result, I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race.” Her comments come as she prepares for England’s semifinal match against Italy on July 7, 2025, in Geneva.

Carter, who has represented England in 49 matches and currently plays for Gotham FC, announced her decision to take a break from social media. “As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans, but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can,” she added.

The Football Association (FA) has acted swiftly in response to Carter’s revelations. According to FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham, the organization has contacted the police in the United Kingdom regarding the abuse. “Our priority is Jess and giving her all the support she needs,” he stated. “We strongly condemn those responsible for this disgusting racism.”

The FA confirmed that they are collaborating with UK police and relevant social media platforms to address the situation. Bullingham emphasized their commitment to ensuring that those who perpetrate such hate crimes are held accountable.

As the Lionesses prepare for their crucial match, the focus remains not only on their performance but also on the ongoing fight against racism within sports. The upcoming semifinal against Italy follows a dramatic victory for England against Sweden, where they triumphed in a tense penalty shootout.

Carter’s courageous stance against racial abuse highlights the need for greater awareness and action within the sporting community. As the tournament progresses, the support for her and the condemnation of racism continue to resonate among fans and officials alike.

Four Indian women chess players have made history by advancing to the quarter-finals of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup. This is the first instance where four players from a single country have reached the last eight in the tournament’s history, showcasing India’s growing prominence in the sport.

In Round Four of the competition, held on October 6, 2023, all four competitors—Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali—successfully progressed through tie-break matches. Their performances not only highlight their individual skills but also reflect the strength of Indian chess on the global stage.

Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy were the first to secure their spots in the quarter-finals. They each achieved victories with a score of 1.5-0.5, overcoming their opponents in tense matches. Deshmukh triumphed over China’s Zhu Jiner, while Humpy defeated Switzerland’s Alexandra Kosteniuk. These wins were pivotal, setting the tone for the rest of the round.

Following their successes, Dronavalli Harika faced off against Russia’s Kateryna Lagno. After four rapid games of 10 minutes each, Harika emerged victorious, adding another victory for the Indian contingent. Lastly, R Vaishali secured her place in the quarter-finals by defeating Kazakhstan’s Meruert Kamalidenova, triumphing after two blitz games lasting five minutes each.

This remarkable achievement not only underscores the players’ dedication and talent but also elevates the profile of women’s chess in India. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these talented athletes as they compete for the title.

The FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup continues to be a significant platform, fostering competition among the best female chess players globally. With this historic accomplishment, the Indian team has undoubtedly made a mark in the ongoing tournament.