Girelli leads from the front
The last time Italy were in a European semi-final, Cristiana Girelli was 7.
Now 35, she is at the heart of a reinvigorated Italian side with their sights set on glory.
Not only does she lead this side with a wealth of experience, but she does so in impeccable form.
Before this tournament, Girelli had bagged 23 goal involvements in the league for Juventus. Impressively, she has the most headed goals of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
That form has continued in Switzerland, bagging three in four outings.
A member of the national team since 2013, she has been with them through the ups and downs, albeit more of the latter.
Italy are a side who, up until this evening, have not lived up to expectations – or at least not built upon the promise they have shown in previous tournaments.
In the last two editions of EUROs, they were sent packing in the group stages with just a single win between them both.
Now it seems as though head coach Andrea Soncin has hit the sweet spot with his side, a perfectly balanced blend of youthful energy with level-headed guidance across each position.
They are a cohesive unit – one with a focal point up top that they know they can rely on to step up in those big moments.
Girelli embodies the revival of nation once eclipsed by expectations, now ready to step into spotlight once more.