Italy have kept their hopes alive. A superb win in their final Group 3 match of the Elite Round, which serves as qualifying for Women’s Futsal EURO 2027, has brought the Italy women’s futsal team within touching distance of automatic qualification for Croatia 2027. The 4-0 victory over France was not only a clear demonstration of the team’s quality, as the Azzurre produced an outstanding performance to comfortably overcome their opponents, but also moved them into second place among the four groups’ runners-up. They currently hold the final automatic qualifying spot, behind Sweden, who lead them thanks to a higher number of goals scored in Group 2. Everything remains up in the air, with only tomorrow evening’s Portugal vs. Finland match, kicking off at 20:00 CEST, still to be played. A draw would see both Portugal and Finland qualify, leaving Italy to go through the playoffs instead. The two-legged playoffs will take place in November, with Norway already assured of a place after finishing second in Group 4.

THE MATCH. Italy came out fighting and took the lead after just 40 seconds, with Bettioli finishing from close range. The early goal gave Paniccia’s side a huge boost, and the Azzurre continued to create chances. Coppari hit the post before Bettioli, Italy’s most dangerous player, went close on three more occasions. France dug deep and relied on Papin’s saves to keep the score down, with the goalkeeper proving a key figure. Midway through the half, France began to venture forward, but Wioland’s effort posed no real threat to Sestari. The long-awaited second goal arrived in the 16th minute. A long ball found Boutimah, who produced a superb first touch before turning and lifting the ball over Papin to make it 2-0. Italy continued to threaten, with Barca and Dal’Maz both trying their luck, before Adamatti deservedly made it 3-0 in the final minute of the first half, finishing off another sustained attacking move.

SECOND HALF. The second half began much like the first, with Italy immediately taking the initiative and extending their lead in the third minute. Bettioli played a perfectly weighted through ball for Adamatti, who lifted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0. The result gave Italy renewed hope of qualifying directly for the European Championship as one of the two best runners-up across the four groups. The more goals Italy scored, the better their chances, and Coppari and her teammates continued to push for a fifth that would take them above Sweden, the Group 2 runners-up who currently hold the advantage on goals scored. With seven minutes remaining, France introduced a flying goalkeeper in an attempt to get back into the game, but the tactic failed to produce the desired result. In the final two minutes, Paniccia also opted for the power play in search of a fifth goal. Italy created two excellent chances, but neither resulted in goals. 

FRANCE 0-4 ITALY (HT: 0-3)

France: Papin, Boisinot, Alberbide, Wioland, Delorme. Subs: Lacoste, Jouan, Pellegry, Commaret, La Posta, Atamaniuk, Simaga, Bitterlin, Kondo. Coach: Trimoreau

Italy: Sestari, Bettioli, Coppari, Adamatti, Boutimah. Subs: Carturan, Mansueto, Vanelli, Virdis, Ghilardi, Barca, Dal’Maz, Ferrara, De Siena. Coach: Paniccia

Goals: 1' Bettioli (I), 16' Boutimah (I), 19' Adamatti (I), 3' second half Adamatti (I)

Referees: Mariia Myslovska (Ukraine), Ena Dulic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Andrea Naudi (Malta). Timekeeper: Azra Ahmetovic (Slovenia)

Bookings: De Siena (I), Bitterlin (F), Pellegry (F)

WOMEN’S FUTSAL EURO

Group 1: Czechia, Finland, Netherlands, Portugal

Group 2: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary*, Slovakia, Sweden*

Group 3: Spain*, France, Italy, Slovenia

Group 4: Belgium, Norway**, Poland*, Ukraine

*Qualified for the European Championship finals

**Qualified for the play-offs

KEY DATES

Play-offs: November 16th–26th, 2026

Finals draw: To be confirmed

Finals (Osijek, Croatia): March 14th–21st, 2027

GROUP 3 FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Matchday 1 – Wednesday, October 7th

Spain 5-2 France

Italy 3-0 Slovenia

Matchday 2 – Thursday, October 8th

Italy 1-2 Spain

Slovenia 1-5 France

Matchday 3 – Saturday, October 10th

France 0-4 Italy

Slovenia 0-8 Spain

STANDINGS AFTER MATCHDAY 3

Spain 9, Italy 6, France 3, Slovenia 0

Photo: Charles Leger/FFF