Spain beat Italy as both teams reach Euro 2025 quarters

Esther Gonzalez scored her fourth goal at Euro 2025 as Spain claimed a hard-fought victory against Italy to maintain their 100% record and top Group B.

Despite the defeat, Italy finished second to secure their spot in the quarter-finals as Portugal lost to the already-eliminated Belgium in Friday's other Group B encounter.

Le Azzurre surprised Spain with a strong start as captain Elena Linari hit the crossbar with a bullet header, before Elisabetta Oliviero opened the scoring with a lethal left-footed strike past Adriana Nanclares.

Their lead lasted just four minutes as Athenea del Castillo drove through the Italian defence before linking up brilliantly with Alexia Putellas, who teed the ball up with a deft backheel for Del Castillo to leather home.

Italy should have gone into half-time ahead, but Martina Piemonte dragged her shot wide after being played through by Oliviero, while Barbara Bonansea couldn't keep down a header from close range.

Andrea Soncin's side began the second half with the same intensity, but it was Spain who scored first four minutes after the restart. After Del Castillo's mazy run was halted, Guijarro latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired into the bottom corner.

Apart from a terrific save from Nanclares to stop a deflected effort from Sofia Cantore, the world champions retained control and Gonzalez put the game to bed in stoppage time by poking in from from close range after another Putellas assist.

Spain will face hosts Switzerland in the last eight, while Italy take on Norway.

What was the main talking point?

In terms of Fifa rankings, Spain's opponents have got tougher as the group stage progressed. But they have stepped up to the challenge - this time clawing their way back against Italy, who are ranked 13th in the world.

Having made six changes to the side that cruised past Belgium on Monday, Montse Tome's side looked disjointed at the start as Italy carved through their defence with relative ease on the counter-attack.

After equalising straight away, Spain slowly settled into the game and dominated the second half as they demonstrated their dazzling squad depth by bringing on Gonzalez, Claudia Pina and Vicky Lopez.

Despite the loss, Italy's performance - particularly in the first half - will give Soncin's side confidence as they head into the quarter-finals for the first time since Euro 2013.

Which players stood out?

Handed her first start of the tournament, Del Castillo showed her intent to stay there with an impressive performance on the right.

After getting Spain back level with a sublime strike, the Real Madrid forward posed a threat right until she was subbed off for Lopez in the 58th minute. Her charge towards the Italian box set up Spain's second goal as Guijarro pounced with a fine finish.

What are the standout stats?

Putellas has contributed to seven goals (three goals, four assists) at Euro 2025 to equal the record for group-stage goal involvements by a single player - set three years ago by England's Beth Mead.

Spain attempted 796 passes in this game, the highest total by any team in a single match during the 2025 tournament so far.

What's next for both teams?

As Group B winners, Spain will play their quarter-final on 18 July (20:00 BST) against Group A runners-up and hosts Switzerland in Bern.

Italy, meanwhile, will face Norway in Geneva on 16 July (20:00 BST).