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.

Hegerberg leveled the score in the 66th with her first scoring chance just six minutes after missing a penalty kick for the second time at Euro 2025. Hegerberg ran clear to a long pass and poked a shot past onrushing goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. The slow-rolling ball just beat the Italian defenders in a race to the goal line.

By team,” she explained, “I do not mean only the players and the players who are here today, because it’s a journey that started a long time ago.” Italy have been waiting for semi-final appearance for almost thirty years.