Patrizia Panico is taking charge of the male Italian Under-16s this afternoon, but admits “I didn’t expect all the fuss”.
The former Italian international is taking charge of the friendly with Germany in Verona this afternoon, becoming the first ever woman to sit on the bench of an Italy men’s national side.
Patrizia Panico is taking charge of the male Italian Under-16s this afternoon, but admits “I didn’t expect all the fuss”.
The former Italian international is taking charge of the friendly with Germany in Verona this afternoon, becoming the first ever woman to sit on the bench of an Italy men’s national side.
“I didn’t expect all the fuss that there’s been in recent days,” Panico admitted, speaking to the FIGC’s official website.
“For me this is a starting point and I hope as many woman as possible can pursue a Coaching career in the future.
“The lads still call me ‘mister’ [the Italian equivalent of ‘boss’ or ‘gaffer’], it’s the force of habit but we can wait to rewrite the vocabulary of football, what matters now is conveying my ideas to the team.
“As a striker I want an attacking and dynamic style of football in which the players must be able to change position without giving reference points to the opponents.
“I don’t like raising my voice, I think saying things slowly and calmly offers greater assurances.
“Here [at Stadio Bentegodi] I lost a Champions League semi-final and also a play-off with the Netherlands for the World Cup in Canada.
“Fortunately, football often gives you a chance for revenge and I hope to be more lucky.”