Norway Coach Grainger Faces Gaupset Dilemma Ahead of Women’s Euro Quarter-Final vs Italy

GENEVA, July 15 (Reuters) – Norway’s head coach Gemma Grainger is facing a welcome selection dilemma ahead of her side’s UEFA Women’s Euro quarter-final showdown with Italy on Wednesday, following a sensational performance by young forward Signe Gaupset.

The 20-year-old lit up Norway’s final group game against Iceland, scoring twice and providing two assists in a dominant display after being given a rare start on the left wing in place of Guro Reiten. With Norway having already secured the top spot in their group, Gaupset seized the opportunity to impress — and fans are now calling for her to start in the all-important clash against Italy.

“With Signe, the Iceland performance wasn’t a surprise to us. We see her every day in training — that’s how she plays,” Grainger told reporters, while declining to confirm whether Gaupset would be in the starting lineup.

Grainger praised the competitive spirit within the squad, saying, “That’s exactly the position I want to be in as a manager — a squad full of options and players pushing each other.”

Norway’s training sessions at their base near Lake Neuchatel have reflected a buoyant mood, with players signing autographs and sharing smiles with fans.

Team captain and star striker Ada Hegerberg — a runner-up in the 2013 edition — spoke of the magnitude of the moment for her side.

“It’s an incredibly big moment for us. We’ve had great energy throughout the team and everyone has contributed,” said Hegerberg. “We want to have a good match tomorrow. Reaching the top four in Europe would be incredible.”

The quarter-final against Italy promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eyeing a Kick-off is scheduled for Wednesday in Geneva, and all eyes will be on whether Gaupset gets the nod to start in what could be a career-defining moment.