A perfect script, crafted by Andrea Soncin and the Azzurre, saw them triumph 4-0 over Finland, leapfrogging all their rivals to clinch first place in the fiercely contested Group 1 and securing a well-deserved spot at EURO 2025. It was an ending few anticipated, but Italy, third after the penultimate matchday, pursued it unwaveringly. The Netherlands must settle for second place, while the two Scandinavian teams face the playoffs.

Two goals in each half. First on the scoresheet was Beccari, with her first for the national team, followed by Giugliano. Substitute Cambiaghi got the third, and an own goal from Nyström, sealed the win. This performance delighted the team and the over 2,700 fans who filled the stands at the 'Druso' in Bolzano. On 16 December, the draw for the EURO final phase will take place, set to be held in Switzerland next year. With their first-place finish, Italy will be a seeded team, which also applies to the upcoming Nations League group draw. For now, though, it's time to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

“It's been a fantastic evening,” said the coach. “Thanks to the girls, it’s because of them that we were able to experience these emotions, and also thanks to the staff and all of Italy for their support. This was the night we wanted, and it's right to celebrate this great joy. There’s renewed enthusiasm around the team, and we must thank the girls for engaging the fans. They’ve given their all throughout this journey, creating a united group both on and off the field—a contagious magic that resonates with everyone watching. We’ve earned our qualification, and I’m confident we’ll have a great EURO".

Immediately after the final whistle, the words of federal president Gabriele Gravina followed: “What joy for the Azzurre! Today’s success is the culmination of a series of extraordinary performances in a very challenging qualifying group for EURO 2025. The growth journey that began with Soncin’s appointment as head coach has been unstoppable, establishing the Azzurre among the strongest teams in Europe. Congratulations to him, his staff, and especially to the girls, who with their quality, professionalism, and character have written a beautiful chapter in Italian football.”

THE MATCH. For this crucial qualifying match, Soncin chose a 3-5-2 formation, making adjustments to both the lineup and the system compared to the 0-0 draw against the Netherlands on Friday. In defence, Salvai replaced Boattin, playing between Lenzini and captain Linari. On the wings, Bonansea and Di Guglielmo took their places in midfield, while Giugliano, Caruso, and Greggi formed the central trio. Up front, Beccari was preferred to Cantore alongside Giacinti. Before kickoff, a heartfelt moment of silence was held in memory of Fabio Melillo, the Ternana coach who passed away on 6 July. He was beloved by many players, particularly Greggi and Caruso, whom he developed throughout the years, including during his successful tenure with the Primavera teams at Res Roma and AS Roma, where he won six championships.

In the opening minutes, the tension was palpable as the Azzurre made several misplaced passes. In the fifth minute, Linari struggled during a clearance, and her pass was intercepted by Öling, who found herself one-on-one with Giuliani but astonishingly shot wide of the net. The new tactical setup allowed Bonansea and Di Guglielmo to push forward easily, resulting in numerous crosses in the first quarter of an hour, though the Scandinavian defence held strong. Five minutes later, Bonansea sparked the play that led to the opening goal. The Juventus winger spotted Giuliano making an overlapping run and delivered a perfectly timed pass. Giuliano controlled the ball and sent a delightful cross that sailed over Tamminen, finding Beccari, who headed in from close range for her first goal with the national team on her eleventh appearance.

Italy took control of the match and scored the 2-0 in the 31'. This time, Giacinti created space in the white-and-blue defence, which managed to clear the ball but only to Caruso. She delivered another perfect cross into the area, and after a few deflections, it found Giugliano. Ready to seize the opportunity, Giugliano celebrated her eleventh goal in the national jersey with her teammates. Before the 45', the only sign of a reaction from the visitors came from Summanen, who took a free kick from just outside the area. However, the Tottenham player’s curling effort went just wide, sending a thrill through the crowd at the ‘Druso.’

The second half opened with a standing ovation for Beccari, the standout player of the first half, who was substituted for Cambiaghi. The Azzurre lowered their tempo slightly, allowing the Scandinavians to gain confidence and initiative, but fortunately, they lacked effectiveness. Giuliani remained alert to thwart the few threats posed by Saloranta's team. At that point, Soncin rallied the troops, resting some of the tired players while bringing on Dragoni, Cantore, and Cambiaghi, who set the stage for the second part of Italy's show. In the 74', it was Cambiaghi who made a clever backheel pass to set up the Inter forward, who was too quick for the defenders and coolly finished with a left-footed diagonal shot past Tamminen. Just before the 90', the fourth goal arrived thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Nyström. By then, the match was already decided, and after the final whistle, the Azzurre could finally celebrate, dreaming of their next great achievement.

ITALY 4-0 FINLAND (2-0 ht)

Goals: 20’ Beccari (I), Giagliano (I), 74’ Cambiaghi (I), 88’ og. Nyström (I)

ITALY (3-5-2): Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Linari; Bonansea (65’ Begamaschi), Giugliano (65’ Dragoni), Caruso (78’ Severini), Greggi; Beccari (53’ Cambiaghi), Giacinti (65’ Cantore). Unused subs: Baldi, Schroffenegger, Bartoli, Boattin, Catena, Girelli, Piemonte. Coach: Andrea Soncin

FINLAND (5-4-1): Tamminen; Koivisto (21’ Siren), Kuikka, Nyström, Siren, Sevenius (46’ Hartikainen); Alanen (58’ Ahtinen), Öling, Summanen (77’ Kollanen), Lindström (46’ Sällström); Rantala. Unused subs: Majasaari, Korpela, Ojanen, Ahtinen, Koivisto, Heroum, Siren, Lehtola, Kalske. Coach: Marko Saloranta

Referee: Ivana Projkovska. Assistants: Vjolca Izeiri and Elena Soklevska-Illievski. Fourth official: Marjan Dejanovski.

Bookings: Öling and Salvai

Attendance: 2700

Calendar, results and table of Group 1 (League A)

Matchday 1: ITALY 2-0 Netherlands, Norway 4-0 Finland

Matchday 2: Finland 2-1 ITALY, Netherlands 1-0 Norway 

Matchday 3: Norway 0-0 ITALY, Netherlands 1-0 Finland 

Matchday 4: Finland 1-1 Netherlands, ITALY 1-1 Norway

Matchday 5: Finland 1-1 Norway, Netherlands 0-0 ITALY

Matchday 6 (16 July): ITALY 4-0 Finland, Norway 1-0 Netherlands

Table: Italy and Netherlands 9 points, Norway 7, Finland 5