The Italian Serie A Women`s league is back, and it`s not just another season. This year promises to be a landmark campaign, ushering in a new era defined by technological advancements, symbolic gestures, and an unwavering commitment to elevating women`s football.
Revolution on the Pitch: Introducing Football Video Support
For too long, the beautiful game has grappled with contentious decisions. Now, the Serie A Women is taking a decisive step forward with the introduction of the Football Video Support (FVS) system, affectionately dubbed «VAR a chiamata» or `VAR on demand.` This isn`t just a slight tweak; it`s a significant shift designed to enhance fairness and reduce controversy.
Unlike the traditional VAR system seen in many men`s leagues, FVS empowers coaches directly. Through a conventional gesture and the presentation of a designated card to the fourth official, coaches can now request a review of specific game-altering incidents. The referee, upon this request, will then consult a monitor to re-evaluate the situation. It`s a pragmatic approach, perhaps acknowledging that sometimes, even the best views from the sideline can be clearer than those from the field – at least, with the benefit of slow-motion replay.
What can be reviewed? The FVS system will focus on four critical types of incidents:
- Goals: Was it valid? Was there an infringement leading up to it?
- Penalty Kicks: Was the foul inside the box? Was it a dive?
- Direct Red Cards: Was the offense worthy of dismissal?
- Mistaken Identity: Ensuring the correct player is penalized.
In a nod to comprehensive fairness, all goals scored will also undergo an automatic review by the referee at the monitor before play resumes, ensuring that the most impactful moments are indeed beyond reproach.
Beyond the Game: The `Capitana` Armband
While FVS addresses the tactical and fairness aspects, another innovation speaks volumes about the cultural evolution of the sport: the new `Capitana` armband. This isn`t merely a sartorial update; it`s a deliberate linguistic choice by the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) to formally feminize the captain`s title, reflecting a broader societal shift.
In a world where language often dictates perception, changing «capitano» (male captain) to «capitana» (female captain) for the armband acknowledges and celebrates the women who lead their teams. It`s a powerful, yet simple, statement that recognizes the unique identity and role of female athletes. This move underscores the Serie A Women`s commitment to fostering a sporting culture that progresses in tandem with modern society, ensuring that the words we use accurately mirror the champions we celebrate.
A League of Stars: Where Youth Meets Enduring Talent
The 2024-25 Serie A Women Athora season (thanks to new Title Partner Athora Italia) is not just about rules and symbols; it`s about the players who bring the drama to life. The league is a vibrant blend of seasoned veterans whose brilliance refuses to fade, and a new wave of youthful talent poised to make their mark.
The Unyielding Veterans: Legends Still Leading the Charge
Some names simply resonate with greatness. At 35, Cristiana Girelli of Juventus, fresh off a nomination for the coveted Ballon d`Or, continues to defy expectations. Roma`s midfield maestro Manuela Giugliano, a Ballon d`Or nominee herself just a year prior, remains the orchestrator for her team. Inter looks to the prolific goal-scoring of Tessa Wullaert, while Fiorentina benefits from the clinical finishing of Madelen Janogy. And who could forget the evergreen Daniela Sabatino (Sassuolo) at 40, or 36-year-old Valeria Pirone (Ternana Women)? These players are not just holding on; they`re dominating, proving that class is indeed permanent. The league also boasts influential foreign talents like Lazio`s Clarisse Le Bihan and Napoli Women`s Marija Banusic, alongside new acquisitions such as Parma`s Spanish star Marta Cardona, adding international flair to the domestic competition.
The Rising Stars: Italy`s Bright Future on Display
The success of Italy`s youth national teams (U19, U17 reaching European semifinals) is a clear indicator of the talent pipeline feeding into Serie A Women. Players like Juventus`s U19 European champion Cristina Libran, Fiorentina`s emerging star Maya Cherubini, and Roma`s precocious goal-scorer Giulia Galli are just a few examples. Keep an eye on Ternana Women`s Giada Pellegrino Cimò, Sassuolo`s Manuela Perselli, and the intriguing prospect of Karen Appiah at Milan, alongside Inter`s 18-year-old Masa Tomasevic. These young athletes represent the future, ready to ignite the league with their energy and skill.
Catching the Action: Where to Watch the Serie A Women Athora
For fans eager to witness this evolving spectacle, accessibility has been prioritized. All matches of the Serie A Women Athora will be broadcast live on DAZN in a freemium model, meaning a free registration to the app will grant access to the games. Additionally, one match each weekend will be available on Rai channels and RaiPlay, ensuring broader reach for Italian audiences. For those who can`t catch every moment live, all match highlights will be readily available on the official Serie A Women YouTube channel. Goal clips, best plays, and emotional moments will also be shared across the league’s revamped social media channels, making it easier than ever to follow the hunt for the title.
As Juventus begins its defense of the Scudetto, the 2024-25 Serie A Women Athora season stands poised to be an unforgettable chapter in the history of Italian women`s football. With strategic technological innovation, profound symbolic gestures, and a dazzling array of talent, this league is not just playing football; it`s actively shaping its future, one groundbreaking moment at a time.