Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi, Serie A’s first female referee, spoke positively about her experiences in the Italian topflight, feeling she has ‘the same opportunities and burdens’ as her peers.
The 33-year-old Italian referee, who earned her FIFA credentials in 2019, made her competitive debut in Serie A in the 2022-23 season, with her first match being Sassuolo’s 5-0 thrashing over Salernitana on October 2022.
This season, Ferrieri Caputi has continued breaking into Serie A, officiating six matches in the topflight this term, with the latest being Lazio’s win over Lecce back in January. Her emergence has been an important factor in the growth of women’s football in Italy and she’s expected to feature more prominently in the coming years.
Speaking to Il Messaggero via Calciomercato.com, Ferrieri Caputi first remembered officiating her first Serie A match back in October 2022.
“An exciting moment, from the warm-up to the post-match, the two teams were exceptional. They gave me a shirt with my name written on it, signed by the players. I could feel the fans, that day they were only appreciation.
“Then again, it’s not always like this. It was a special day, a celebration. Perhaps they were all aware of being part of something historic, which we were awaiting with joy.”
The 33-year-old referee feels that Italy are keeping up with other leagues across Europe.
“In Italy we have caught up. My emotion is the same as that of anyone else who has followed my step, man or woman. The media resonance then remained very special. I represent a path of girls who they preceded me, if I’m here it’s for them too.”
Finally, Ferrieri Caputi discussed her feelings regarding gender equality in her role and Italian football.
“I feel this equality. I have the same opportunities and burdens as my colleagues, my skills are adequate. We have also grown in numbers, in our association there are around 2000 girls.
“Of course, they are still in a minority compared to men, and only by increasing the basis will it be possible to make a true comparison.
“At the moment girls have the possibility of achieving their dreams and this matters. We don’t have to worry about pleasing or making someone happy. There are parameters and we can decide based on those.”