Girelli plays epic role in fantastic journey for Italy

Talismanic captain has led the way during semi-final run with crucial goals and could play key role against England

- Sophie Downey

The clock showed 89 minutes and 18 seconds. That was how close a weary Italy were to extra time against Norway in a tense quarter-final in Geneva. It was clear from the frayed nerves and unusually dishevelled appearance of the Italy coaching staff that they were concerned those on the field did not have much left in the tank. All their stamina and emotions had been left on the pitch after almost 90 energy-sapping minutes of a game they knew they should be winning.

What they seemed to forget for a minute, however, was that they have Cristiana Girelli. Their talismanic centre-forward can do many things on a football pitch but nothing is more certain than her scoring goals. They needed just one chance, one delivery and the odds were on that their captain would take it. That moment came: a pinpoint Sofia Cantore cross, an intelligent run by Girelli to lose the full-back, and an angled header that had one destination.