Entering the tournament following a disappointing club season with Lyon, Hegerberg is leading Norway's quest for their first significant title since winning gold at the Olympics 25 years ago.
The 30-year-old has demonstrated renewed motivation as Norway achieved a perfect nine points from three Group A matches, setting up a match against the Italians.
Hegerberg got Norway started in the opening 2-1 victory over the hosts Switzerland, scoring the equalizer before converting and missing a penalty, ultimately leading to a decisive own goal by Julia Stierli.
She was appointed captain in February and is supported by vice-captain and Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen.
This honor followed a tumultuous period with the national team, which included a five-year break from international play between 2017 and 2022, caused by conflicts with the Norwegian FA over the unequal treatment of female footballers.
"It's a position that demands experience and the mindset that we need a good mix between the younger players and those of us who have been here for a while," Hegerberg stated after the win against Switzerland.
"We understand the significant role we have both on and off the field."
The Norwegians were pioneers in modern women's football and the first nation to win the World Cup, European Championship, and Olympics, but they have fallen behind since their victory at the Sydney Games.
Now coached by Gemma Grainger, Norway has not advanced past the group stage in the last two Euros and hasn't reached the semi-finals of a summer tournament since their final appearance in Euro 2013.
They suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat to England in the last Euros, a tournament in which Hegerberg participated after her return from international exile.
'Embrace the moment'
Now, Hegerberg has the opportunity to guide Norway back into the later stages of a European Championship, facing either the defending champions England or their Scandinavian rivals Sweden.
"We secured nine points in the group stage and are now playing in the quarter-finals. This is a significant moment for us. Everyone has played their part, and we want to ride that momentum," Hegerberg told reporters on Tuesday.
"Achieving a top-four finish at the Euros would be extraordinary. This is a crucial match, with much at stake, and we intend to embrace the moment. The way we have performed as a team has been remarkable."
Standing in Norway's path are Italy, who advanced from a challenging Group B, which was topped by the world champions Spain.
Italy, a traditional powerhouse in men's football, has impressed in Switzerland under Andrea Soncin, although they have faced difficulties in scoring.
"They are a strong team and have significantly developed their women's football in recent years,"Hegerberg added.
"It will be exciting to compete against such an important football nation."
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