Mattarella Meets Italy Women After Euros Heroics

Rome: President Sergio Mattarella received Italy’s women’s national team at the Quirinal Palace on Thursday after their heroics at this year’s European championships. The Azzurre reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros for the first time since 1997 and were just minutes from reaching the final before suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to reigning champions England after extra time on Tuesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Italian team had initially taken the lead through Barbara Bonansea’s well-taken goal in the first half. However, teenage forward Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to equalize for England in the sixth minute of stoppage time. The match was ultimately decided when Chloe Kelly touched in the rebound of her saved penalty to clinch victory for England in the 119th minute.

President Mattarella expressed his admiration and gratitude to the team during their visit. “I asked you to take a detour from your schedule and come here to thank you and congratulate you,” commented Mattarella, who mentioned that he had watched all of the Azzurre’s games at the Euros. He praised the team for their outstanding performance, stating, “To thank you for the splendid European Championship, in which you brought honour to the jersey and flag of your country.”