A year and a half after her farewell to the national team, Sara Gama returns to write another important chapter of Azzurre history alongside her former teammates. From her final appearance in the friendly against Ireland on February 23, 2024, earning her 140th cap (the fourth-most in history) and celebrating her commitment since 2006,  to her new role as Delegation Head for the Women’s National Team.

Sara Gama had already begun her move from the pitch to the office as she serves AIC vice president and a member of the FIGC Federal Council. She approaches this new role knowing that she can make a real contribution to the growth of the Azzurre. The warm welcome home from FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said it all: just as she shaped the team with her achievements on the field, her ideas and leadership will continue to guide the development of women’s football in years to come. “I’ve spent over 18 years of my life here, so yes, it feels like home and I’m very happy,” she said at her introductory press conference. “That’s exactly how the players and staff make me feel. I’m joining a well-established group, and I’m honoured to support them on this journey.” 

There are many challenges that the 36-year-old from Trieste will have to face, likely different from those she listed in her famous speech at the Quirinale in 2018 during the celebrations for the FIGC’s 120th anniversary. That day, she highlighted the pride and sacrifices of multiple generations of players fighting for the recognition of their rights. “I believe that excellent progress has been made in the past decade,” Gama emphasised. “The move to professionalism, the framework of the collective agreement that many countries envy, and the results achieved by the Azzurre, from the senior team to the youth squads, all confirm this. At the top level, we have done very well, and now it’s time to focus on developing the grassroots. The number of registered players needs to grow, and to achieve this we must make the most of the legacy of EURO 2025.”

A clearly defined mission, just like that of the team, who, after performing brilliantly in Europe, are ready to take on the world. “We have two challenging friendlies ahead, followed by a tour in the United States, which will allow us to develop while working in a calm manner,” she concluded. “Thanks to my journalistic experience this summer, I feel I understand this environment from several angles. I want to bring this insight to the National Team, which must keep pushing to improve day by day.”

Gama’s presentation was the final event of a busy day for the Azzurre delegation at Coverciano. After a morning training session focused on tactical drills ahead of Friday’s friendly against Japan in Como (kick-off 18:15 CEST), the day continued with a meeting of the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC). This was attended by AIC President Umberto Calcagno, Chiara Marchitelli, Head of the Women’s Sector at the AIC, and all the players present at the camp, who were presented with a photographic book of the European Championship. Later, at 21:00 CEST, everyone will come together to cheer on Viviana Schiavi and the Under-17 squad, who, after their victory over Costa Rica, are preparing for their second group-stage match at the World Cup against hosts Morocco.

 

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi (Roma), Francesca Durante (Lazio), Astrid Gilardi (Como), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan);

Defenders: Caterina Ambrosi (Parma), Valentina Bergamaschi (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Huston Dash), Federica D’Auria (Lazio), Martina Lenzini (Juventus), Elena Linari (London City Lionesses), Beatrice Merlo (Inter), Elisabetta Oliviero (Lazio), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Angelica Soffia (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Giada Greggi (Roma), Nadine Nischler (Como), Marta Teresa Pandini (Roma), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Emma Severini (Fiorentina), Martina Tomaselli (Inter);

Forwards: Chiara Beccari (Juventus), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Michela Cambiaghi (Juventus), Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit), Alice Corelli (Roma), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Margherita Monnecchi (Lazio), Martina Piemonte (Lazio), Elisa Polli (Inter).