Italy was close to a sensational win but fell twice.
Forward Barbara Bonansea gave the team the lead 1–0 in the 33rd minute, a result that stood until extra time when English substitute Michelle Agyemang equalized in the 96th minute.
The extension seemed to be goalless when Italy's Emma Severini pulled down the Englishwoman Beth Mead in her own penalty area. Chloe Kelly shot the penalty – which she missed, but put in the goal on her own rebound.
We were a minute and a half from our dream, says Elena Linari to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport after the match. She continues:
I do not like to talk about referee decisions, but I hoped that they would review the incident that resulted in a penalty. I do not want to start controversies, it is both beautiful and sad, she concludes.
Italy was last in the final in 1997 when the championship was held in Norway and Sweden, where they lost to Germany.
England will meet Spain or Germany in the final on July 27.
