Italian women's football has come a long way in the six years since Bertolini took charge of the national team but the country still lags behind European rivals England, Germany, France and Spain, never mind reigning world champions the United States. One of the keys to Italy's climb up to 16th in the world rankings was Gama, but she was dropped last month, her time as captain and spiritual leader of the national team seemingly over.
Gama has been more than just an important player over her 126 appearances for Italy - she pushed to get her country to take women's football seriously. She is vice-president of the Italian footballers' association, qualified to work as a sporting director and a cultured presence capable of changing perceptions.
Before Italy reached the last eight of the last World Cup, women's football was entirely amateur and either ignored or derided by the general public. But exceeding expectations at France 2019, thanks largely to a backline led by Gama not conceding in open play, led to an audience with Italian president Sergio Mattarella and the women's Serie A turning professional.
Gama's removal from the squad angered the veteran centre-back but Bertolini insists that Italy are ready to move on with the next generation. "There are young players who are developing and I believe there are players who are better suited to the type of football that I would like to take to the World Cup," said Bertolini.
July 22, 2023