Women

The Gunners return as Queens of Europe – Soccer style

Published

4 weeks ago

05/26/2025

Staff

Starting from 2025, those who want to follow the UEFA Women’s Champions League in Italy will have to do so on Disney+. Not DAZN, not Amazon, not Sky. Specifically Disney+.

It’s news that makes noise, and not just from a sports perspective. Because this five-year, pan-European, exclusive agreement is not just a commercial move. It’s an operation that questions the relationship between sports, TV rights, and visibility of women’s football. And it raises a central question: who really benefits?

Women’s Champions League, a massive agreement but for whom?

Disney has signed a deal with UC3, the new joint venture created by UEFA and ECA to manage the rights of women’s football. An ambitious project, promising 75 matches per season, multilingual commentary, ESPN production, and a “premium” experience for subscribers. All included, at no extra cost. But still behind a paywall.

Yes, because despite the enthusiastic narrative, access is not universal. Women’s football, which has fought hard for visibility and accessibility in recent years, now ends up in the vault of one of the most selective streaming platforms on the market. Is it a step up in quality or another obstacle on the path to popularity?

Balancing the agreement is the presence of EBU (the entity of European public TV), which will broadcast one match per day in 30 countries. But in Italy? No concrete details at the moment. Rai could be involved, but nothing is certain. The risk is that, in the transition to the “premium product,” the slice of the audience that had just begun to get closer to women’s football may be lost.

In recent years, the Women’s Champions League has experienced real growth. With full stadiums, increasing viewership, and interested sponsors. But visibility is still fragile. And it’s closely tied to free initiatives, content on YouTube, and social media coverage. Disney+ certainly has global distribution power. But it’s not guaranteed that they know or want to cultivate the local fan base.

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

An strategic move for Disney, not necessarily for football

Then there’s Disney+’s position. The platform, in a phase of consolidating its model, is looking for new content to retain subscribers. Live sports, already successfully tested in the United States, is a powerful lever. Betting on the Women’s Champions League is a perfect image move. It has lower costs than men’s football, guaranteed growth, and international appeal.

But it’s fair to ask: how long will the interest last? The risk is that the UWCL becomes a side content. Initially promoted for reputational reasons and then left on the fringes of the algorithm. To truly grow women’s football, a dedicated strategy is needed. Constant investment and sports culture are required. Not just packaged visibility.

Meanwhile, the tournament is also changing: from 2025/26, it will switch to a single group of 18 teams. More matches, more revenue, more content to sell. It’s a transformation designed for broadcasters, rather than fans. The goal? To build a marketable product that replicates the models of the men’s Champions League. But with the risk of distorting the most genuine characteristics of European women’s football.

This agreement between UEFA, ECA, and Disney+ is a signal not to be underestimated. Women’s football is no longer an afterthought. It’s a valuable commodity to be packaged and sold. But if it becomes only that, it loses its transformative power. The challenge now is not just to make matches accessible, but to understand what women’s football really wants to be. An alternative or a copy of the male model? A platform for inclusion or another elite product? From 2025, women’s football will be on Disney+. The future, however, is still unwritten. And to be seen.

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Women

Future between Roma and Premier

Published

17 hours ago

06/21/2025

Staff

Linari in the sights of English clubs, between career choices and Roma Women: between leadership and Premier dreams, decision coming soon.

According to a tweet by sports journalist Leonardo Frenquelli, there is interest from an English club.

Elena Linari, coming off a season as an undisputed leader, could consider a move to England as early as next summer.

After Cantore, another departure abroad?

Interest from across the Channel for Elena Linari

In the last hours, strong interest from an English club for Elena Linari, defensive pillar of Roma Women and captain of the Italian National Team, has emerged.

According to market sources, several teams from the Women’s Super League have initiated exploratory contacts.

Among these is also a top club like the London City Lionesses.

Linari is tied to the Giallorossi club by a contract that expires in 2026.

Therefore, Roma would receive a very substantial fee in case of a transfer.

Career: a journey of titles and international experiences

Born in 1994, Linari has a solid and international career behind her.

From her early steps in Firenze to a double with Brescia (2014, 2016), passing through a Serie A title with Fiorentina (2017), a Liga victory with Atletico Madrid (2019), and a brief experience in France before arriving at Roma in January 2021.

With the Giallorossi jersey, she has confirmed her value: over 94 appearances, 13 goals in four years, two consecutive Serie A titles, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana.

Influence: voted best defender in Serie A (2023-24 and 2024-25).

Currently, Elena has surpassed 100 appearances with Roma Women and, with over 100 caps for the National Team, leads the Italian defense with experience and personality.

The last season of Roma Women

Roma Women finished the 2024-25 season in third place in Serie A, won the Supercup, and participated in the Champions League until the group stage.

The team was undoubtedly led by Linari, Giugliano, and Haavi: the defense is solid, the offensive phase is growing, and coach Spugna focuses on compactness and concreteness.

Linari played 22 league games, also scoring in the Coppa Italia and leading the Giallorossi to a semifinal with a decisive goal against Napoli.

At the end of the season, she emphasized the importance of the Champions League: “Difficult season, but we are proud.”

What could change for the future of the club

English interest in Linari could leave Roma with a significant gap in the backline.

In view of the summer transfer market, Roma Women will have to decide whether to focus on an internal heir or seek reinforcements in the market.

However, the potential departure of the captain could usher in a new phase: more space for young players like Dragoni, who has grown during the season. But also the need for defensive leadership.

For Elena, the offer from the WSL represents an opportunity to compete internationally and refine her game in one of the best leagues in the world.

On the other hand, Roma will have to prepare to redefine balances and hierarchies.

Continuing to defend sporting ambitions: Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and Champions League qualification.

Ensuring a competitive squad.

Linari: a professional aware of her own value

The player has always been attentive to team dynamics and focused on the future.

Her potential transfer is not just an individual choice, but a potential turning point for the entire club.

A transition from co-leader to facilitator, from historical reference to the “object of desire” of the international market.

In the coming days, the official decision will be made. I’m sorry, but I need the original text in order to rewrite it while maintaining the exact formatting. Please provide the original text so that I can assist you.

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Women

Which group are the Azzurrine – Soccer style

Published

2 days ago

06/19/2025

Staff

Italy U20 reaches a World milestone 90′ ahead of schedule. Sweden defeated. But now, focus on the European semifinal against France. The dream continues.

An emotion and a leap back in time
What a day, what emotions! Italy-Sweden ends 1-0 and that goal, the second in two games by Giada Pellegrino Cimò, opens the doors again to the Under 20 World Cup for the Azzurrine. Thirteen years after their only participation. Yes, you read that right: in 2026, in Poland, young Italy will once again make history in women’s football.

A victory worth more than three points. It’s a ticket to the future, a pass to the elite of world football. It’s the satisfaction of a growing movement. As FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said, “They are rewriting history, game after game.” And they are doing it on the field, with heart and a smile. A satisfaction for them and for us who have the privilege of following them.

The last time the Italy Under 20 Women’s team graced the world stage was in 2012. Many of the girls who now make up the “2006 National Team” were still children back then. There are even a few talents from 2007 ready to shine. Now they return, stronger and more aware. The long wait is over.

Italy U20 makes us dream and Gravina doesn’t hold back in his praise: “Extraordinary Azzurrine. Qualifying is an exceptional milestone that dignifies the entire movement. And look at the international ranking: in one year, from 20th to 5th place!”

Italy U20: how they secured qualification
In the second day of the Under 19 European Championship, in the heart of Poland (Stalowa Wola), a victory against Sweden was enough to secure one of the five UEFA spots for the 2026 World Cup. Said and done. The girls of Nicola Matteucci took the field with a 4-4-1-1 formation and a strong desire to win.

Mustafic in goal. Zamboni and Perselli on the wings. Ferraresi up front, with Pellegrino Cimò behind. And then? A physical battle against a tough, organized Sweden, led by the imposing Amelie Norén. First signs of Azzurri dominance. Fadda hits the post, then the pace picks up. Three consecutive corners and finally, at 37′, the scream that breaks the silence. Great initiative by Consolini, double attempt by Ferraresi, third attempt by Pellegrino Cimò who doesn’t miss. Italy in the lead!

In the second half, Mustafic gloves a venomous shot by Larsson. Meanwhile, Matteucci manages the substitutions well. Cherubini, Sciabica, Girotto, and Ventriglia provide new energy. The result remains unchanged. At the end, it’s the final whistle and an Italian celebration.

Coach Nicola Matteucci speaks almost like a proud father. “These are moments of great joy. The girls deserved it: they worked, helped each other, recovered the ball, and attacked more and more. And now we don’t stop: there’s France to face and another goal to achieve.” And FIGC President is not far behind. “Proud of the exponential growth. This is a movement that improves year after year.”

Next stop and upcoming events
Saturday, 16:00 in Rzeszow. Italy U20 will face France, already qualified. A draw is enough for Italy to advance to the European semifinals. But winning would secure the top spot in the group. Even in case of defeat, there are still chances: goal difference helps: +1 against Poland’s -6.

2025 is turning into a dream summer for Italian women’s football:
– Qualification for the Women’s U20 World Cup
– Qualification for the Women’s U17 World Cup
– In July, European Championship for the senior National Team coached by Andrea Soncin

Today, players born in 2006 and 2007 are writing a new chapter for Italian football. So young, but already so determined. So Forza Azzurrine! All of Italy watches, follows, and applauds you. And the best is yet to come.

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Women

Cantore leaves for the States. Everything you need to know – Soccer style

Published

3 days ago

06/18/2025

Staff

Cantore leaves Juventus Women to fly to the United States. Only beautiful words and gratitude for her departure. The player is a pride for everyone.

From Turin to Washington. And Soncin proud.

It is now official. Sofia Cantore leaves Juventus Women to join the top tier of the United States. The 1999-born forward has accepted the offer from Washington Spirit. The American club, to secure her services, has paid the buyout clause in her contract. We are talking about approximately 350,000 euros. This is a record figure for Italian women’s football.

It will go down in history as one of the top three most lucrative deals in Europe this season. Steps forward that will allow future years to dream of such figures. As if that weren’t enough, Cantore will become the first Italian player to compete in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), the top U.S. women’s league. She will continue her career there after years of success in the black and white jersey.

Even the Coach of the Women’s National Team, Andrea Soncin, commented on the transfer of his forward:
“Cantore in the USA? The same applies as for Caruso: when leagues of that caliber approach our girls, it must be a source of pride for everyone, and I am pleased that their upgrade was achieved through performances in the blue jersey.”

Juventus

Juventus: Thank you for everything, Sofia!

The Bianconeri club could not let this farewell go unnoticed. They officially bid farewell to Sofia Cantore with a long statement published on their official website, entitled “THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, SOFIA!”. Here is the full text:

“Sprinting down the wing, perfect control, one-on-one, nutmeg on the opponent heading straight towards the penalty area, feint, shot to the far post. Goal.

It’s difficult to find a way to encapsulate and put together all the pieces that make up the personality and talent of Sofia Cantore, but the goal scored against PSG in the first leg of the super qualifying match last September holds quite a few together, between technique, desire, quality, and speed.

A player who over the years has become one of the protagonists of Juventus Women.

After many successes achieved together, the paths of our team and Sofia Cantore diverge: the Bianconeri forward will permanently move to Washington Spirit, after wearing the Juventus Women jersey 128 times in her career, starting from those final 17 minutes in the 3-0 victory against Atalanta Mozzanica on September 30, 2017 – a memorable match for her, as she turned 18 that day, celebrating her adulthood with her Serie A debut.

Cantore has truly grown in black and white in every aspect, winning Scudetti and trophies, climbing the ranks and carving out an increasingly important role within our team – up to the definitive consecration in the just-ended season, by far the best of her career with 18 goals in 39 matches. The last one coming in the farewell match, in the 4-0 final of the Coppa Italia, to close the circle exactly as she had opened it: with a victory.

A great professional with a contagious smile and enthusiasm that we bid farewell to with great affection: thank you Sofi, good luck for the future!”.

And what can we say? Crush it, Sofia.

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