Speaking about the upcoming Women`s European Championship in Switzerland is both welcome and important at this time. Personally, I believe the European competition is tougher than the World Cup. This is because the continental tournament features many of the top ten ranked national teams.
On the eve of the tournament, we had the opportunity to exclusively interview Dr. Stefano Pigolotti, who represents the interests of two notable players, Agnese Bonfantini and Cristiana Girelli. He commented, “It will be challenging to progress in the competition, but I have great confidence in this national team and feel positive about their future prospects.”
What are your thoughts on Coach Soncin`s squad selections?
“Selections are always a sensitive topic. In Italy, people often say there are 60 million national team coaches, meaning everyone has their own ideas and opinions. One thing I learned upon entering the world of football is this: in a squad of 23 players, everyone might have a different view on who should be there, but the coach makes the final decision because that`s what they are paid to do. National team coaches and staff always face difficulties when deciding who to include and who to leave out. Those called up are rewarded by becoming part of a project, while those left out suffer the disappointment after working hard and believing they would be part of that group.”
Bonfantini`s exclusion caused quite a stir.
“Agnese is certainly a player everyone expected to be called up, so it`s understandable that people were shocked by her omission. She is widely recognized as a superb talent. I`ve followed her growth since the beginning, knowing her both as a player and a person. It pains me not to see her participate in such a significant event, which would have been valuable for her experience and whose presence would likely have benefited the national team. Along with her family, I am her biggest supporter, so it`s natural that I might be a bit biased.”
How is the player dealing with this painful exclusion?
“In the structures that manage the players` interests, I also provide mental coaching. It`s important to be adept at transforming this negative phase into something positive, without overwhelming the player or causing a negative reaction. The pain of not being called up is something from which we can also learn for the future. I am confident that Agnese will overcome this difficult period.”
Things went very well for her at Fiorentina. How much more can she contribute to the Viola cause?
“The Fiorentina project is important for her. Her time in Florence allowed her to experience a year where her standards, despite ups and downs correlating with the team`s performance, were generally maintained. I believe Fiorentina is fundamental for her professional growth, and we are eager to see the role she will carve out for herself under the new coach. Agnese has become very attached to Florence; it was initially intended as just a temporary move, but then in the spring, she expressed a strong desire to stay with the Viola, which we ultimately facilitated.”
Cristiana Girelli, another player you represent, will be in Switzerland and is perhaps the most in-form player at the moment.
“I don`t think she`s just the most in-form player of the moment, but of recent years. Her goals have always been crucial, both in Italy and abroad. When we think of her goals for the national team, her contribution is significantly amplified, and I am confident that she will help the group again this time, bringing us plenty of satisfaction.”
How do you comment on the Juventus player`s season, considering her age?
“Age should only be brought up when discussing professional seriousness and maturity, qualities she demonstrates year after year. Otherwise, she seems like a 25-year-old athlete. She possesses unique strength and determination, in addition to the charisma developed over these years with Juventus. I hope this leadership is well perceived within the national team so that the Azzurre can benefit from it throughout the European tournament.”
What do you expect from both players next season?
“From Girelli, I expect more goals and that she will be a stimulus for the young players working with her. As for Bonfantini, she will delight us with her flair, which is in her DNA, and I think she will have even more consistency than last season.”
Are you concerned about a potential move to men`s football where priorities are different?
“In women`s football, there is still an air of purity that is occasionally tainted by figures with experience in men`s football, who bring the cunning and shrewdness typical of that sector. It`s not something I consider entirely negative, but it`s clear that in men`s football, the interests are different. Those who work in men`s football, with enormous economic interests, develop attitudes and competencies that I consider a bit borderline, and it would be sad and simultaneously pointless to introduce them into women`s football. Unfortunately, not much money circulates in the women`s sector, and while competitiveness exists, it`s not as extreme. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to protect the women`s game from the negative models of men`s football.”
