Ahead of Tuesday's highly anticipated Women's Euro 2025 semi-final between defending champions England and Italy in Geneva, the spotlight has shifted beyond the pitch to a more pressing issue: the fight against racism. The trigger came when England defender Jess Carter revealed she had been targeted by racist abuse on social media during the tournament, prompting her to step away from social platforms for the remainder of the competition.
The news sent ripples through the football community, with Italy head coach Andrea Soncin leading the show of solidarity. "Any form of violence is unacceptable and intolerable," Soncin emphasized. “As those in positions of influence, we bear a huge responsibility to send positive, educational messages—especially to children, who will shape tomorrow's society. This is a cultural battle we must fight together.”
Soncin added that he planned to discuss with his squad how best to express their support for Carter and England, leaving the door open for a collective gesture on match night. Italy defender Cecilia Salvai echoed this sentiment: “Our captains are addressing this, and we're ready to do whatever it takes to send a strong message. Tomorrow, we won't see them as just opponents—we hope Jess can focus on the game, as she deserves to shine in this semi-final.”
In response to the abuse, England's Lionesses announced they would not take the knee before the match, a symbolic anti-racism gesture that has become widespread in recent years. "It's clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism," the team stated. Players like Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway have previously suggested the gesture has lost some of its impact, signaling a desire for more impactful action.
England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed Carter is "ready to perform" in what will be the Lionesses' sixth consecutive major tournament semi-final. For Italy, the clash marks their first Women's Euro semi-final in 28 years, with a chance to reach their first final since 1997—but the team has made it clear that standing against racism matters more than just on-field glory.
As the two sides prepare to face off, the match has evolved into more than a battle for a final spot. It has become a testament to football's power to unite in the face of intolerance, reminding the world that the beautiful game's true strength lies in its ability to champion equality.
