Federica Cappelletti stands at a unique crossroads, navigating the profound legacy of her late husband, football legend Paolo Rossi, while forging her own path as a pivotal figure in Italian women`s football. Her journey is a compelling narrative of remembrance, resilience, and relentless advocacy for a sport on the rise.
Paolo Rossi and Federica Cappelletti: A partnership that continues to inspire.
The Enduring Echo of a Legend
For Federica Cappelletti, the spirit of Paolo Rossi, Italy`s iconic 1982 World Cup hero, is not a distant memory but a palpable presence. Nearly five years since his passing, she describes his influence as a continuous guide, even in her professional endeavors. “For me, it`s as if he never left. He is within me, as if he still gives me directions, even in my journey in the world of football,” she reflects, a poignant testament to a bond that transcends life.
Rossi’s story—a narrative of falls, rebirth, and ultimate redemption—resonates deeply, particularly with younger generations. Through the Paolo Rossi Foundation, Federica is dedicated to ensuring his message of perseverance and the realization of dreams continues to inspire globally. This commitment recently led to an exhibition at the United Nations Glass Palace in New York, an unprecedented honor for an Italian athlete, highlighting Rossi’s enduring symbolic power for communities worldwide.
Stepping Onto Her Own Pitch: Leading Women`s Football
Beyond preserving a cherished memory, Federica Cappelletti has carved out a significant role for herself in the contemporary landscape of Italian football. Since 2023, she has served as the President of the Professional Women`s Serie A Division of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Federica Cappelletti, a driving force in Italian women`s football.
Her appointment, given her famous surname, inevitably sparked whispers of privilege. However, Cappelletti addresses this with a pragmatic outlook and a touch of grounded realism. “More than anything, privileged,” she concedes, acknowledging the unique platform her husband`s legacy provided. Yet, she swiftly pivots, emphasizing her relentless work ethic. “Being Paolo Rossi`s wife means having a real plus that I decided to put at the service of women`s football. I work hard, even on Saturdays and Sundays if needed… nobody gave me anything.” This assertion underscores a profound dedication, transforming a perceived advantage into a launchpad for genuine contribution.
The Ascent of the Azzurre: Triumphs and Hurdles
Cappelletti’s tenure has coincided with a critical phase for Italian women`s football. She notes the Azzurre`s (the Italian national team) growing reputation and significant technical improvements, even garnering praise from former male players who now tune in with genuine interest. The recent European Championship served as a “great spot” for the sport, demonstrating its appeal and potential.
However, the challenge lies in sustaining this momentum. Recalling the surge of enthusiasm after the 2019 World Cup, which subsequently waned, Cappelletti stresses the imperative to avoid a return to obscurity. “A national team that gathers almost five million viewers cannot return to silence,” she insists. The team`s on-field camaraderie and off-field values—solidarity, loyalty, and their ability to move even the most skeptical observers—are assets she believes must be continually leveraged.
Regarding the complexities of professionalizing the league, Cappelletti faces practical hurdles. The Women`s Cup, a new competition, initially struggled with TV rights, leading to “sterile polemics.” Yet, she remains unfazed, describing it as a normal dynamic for a nascent competition, with private negotiations already well underway. The goal, she asserts, is finding a “recipe for the sustainability of women`s football and football in general.” Criticism, though disheartening, is embraced as a catalyst for growth: “Criticize less and support more: that`s how we grow.”
The Italian Women`s National Team, the Azzurre, embodies solidarity and passion.
The movement of Italian players, such as Sofia Cantore, to foreign leagues is viewed not as an impoverishment of Serie A, but as a vital opportunity. These experiences, Cappelletti believes, will ultimately enrich both the domestic league and the national team, a testament to the Italian market`s increasing vibrancy.
A Vision for the Future: Credibility and Grand Stages
Cappelletti`s ultimate aspiration for women`s football is clear: to achieve a level of affirmation where its credibility is self-evident, eliminating the need to “shout” for recognition. She dreams of seeing matches played in major stadiums, a visual representation of the sport`s burgeoning stature.
And then, there`s the poignant, full-circle dream: “If Italy were to achieve a good result at the World Cup in Brazil, considering my husband`s feats… well, that would be wonderful.” It`s a vision that intertwines personal tribute with professional ambition, echoing Paolo Rossi`s own journey of overcoming adversity to achieve the unthinkable.
Federica Cappelletti`s work is more than just administration; it`s a profound act of dedication—to a legendary memory and to a future where women`s football stands tall, vibrant, and undeniably compelling.
Sofia Cantore and other Italian players gain valuable experience abroad.