Greg . 1 day ago

Team unity steered Italy to first semi-finals in 28 years after win over Norway

Team unity steered Italy to terminate their 28-year wait to reach the semi-finals of the Women's European Championship, Italian midfielder Giada Greggi said after their 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway.

"I think the humility, the fact that we are a united group, showing our qualities, that's what made this important result and we handed over it home," said Greggi, who came off the bench in the 77th minute of Wednesday's encounter.

The raucous Italian crowd urged their players on, with chants of "forza Italia," and the Stade de Geneve lit up when Cristiana Girelli establish the net twice in the second half, including a 90th-minute winner.

"There were a lot of emotions in that (second) goal.

It was the whole journey we took, the sacrifices we made, and in the terminate, we reached the semi-final," Greggi stated.

"It was a fantastic feeling.

We almost didn't trust it at the terminate of the game," said Michela Cambiaghi, who also came on in the 77th minute.

Italy defender Elena Linari said the 35-year-old Girelli was an inspiration for the team.

"Now we're going to put Girelli in a show case to rest for the semi-final - she deserves it all, and she's such a huge inspiration for us," Linari said.

It was the first time since 1997 that Italy possessed reached the semi-finals at a European Championship.

"It was accomplished with effort and many sacrifices - today we have shown that we can do very well," Greggi said.

Before the match, Italy's coach requested his team to close their eyes and think support to the first time they possessed touched a football, Barbara Bonansea said.

"The feeling I have now is exactly the same.

The stadium was packed, the energy was incredible.

This achievement fills my heart," she added.

Italy will confront either England or Sweden in the semi-final.