A long applause so that Giulia and all victims of femicide aren’t forgotten. In the face of gender violence, being silent isn’t an option. That is why the FIGC is promoting an initiative that will take place before all of this weekend’s matches from Serie A through to the youth divisions and which will allow players – both male and female – and fans to remember all those who have been victims of this tragedy. A moment that will be shared together to denounce these horrific crimes even more loudly and clearly. Noting the widespread sentiment throughout the country and recognising the responsibility that sport has in civil society, the football world has universally condemned violence against women. Various communication campaigns and institutional initiatives have been launched, with testimonials being a part of this. The aim is to support those who have been victims of these crimes and promote educational paths based on respect and gender equality.

“Let’s come together to show our support for the many women who have been victims of violence,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “The FIGC and the entire football world want to do their part to help eliminate these horrible crimes and build a culture of respect, especially by educating young people.”

CAMPAIGN. “1-5-2-2. Ci sono tattiche che scrivono la storia. Altre che la cambiano”. ("1-5-2-2. There are tactics that make history and others that change it."). This is the campaign claim being promoted by the Federation to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign features male and female players from the senior national teams as well as the two head coaches, Luciano Spalletti and Andrea Soncin, with the 1522 ‘formation’ taking centre stage. 1522 is the number that has been activated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers-Department for Equal Opportunities with the aim of developing a broad system of action to combat the phenomenon of intra- and extra-family violence against women. Both today and tomorrow, the outside of the Coverciano auditorium will also be illuminated in red.

WOMEN’S DIVISIONS. Alongside the initiatives arranged by the individual leagues, the Women's Serie A and Serie B Divisions will seek to intensify the #MAIPIÙ campaign, which has been ongoing since the start of the season on all pitches, while also promoting the FIGC’s communication campaign in support of 1522. Before the scheduled Women’s Serie A and Serie B matches this weekend, and prior to the minute’s applause to remember all the victims of femicide, the two teams, coaches and referees will pose for a group photo behind a #MAIPIÙ sign. Coaches and referees will also be given a sticker depicting the number 1522 and the hashtag #MAIPIÙ.

REFEREES. #UNROSSOALLAVIOLENZA: showing violence the red card. As has been the case in the past, referees in charge of games from Serie A through to the youth leagues will take to the pitch with a red mark on their cheek, a symbol of the campaign. With the initiative having been expanded to also include provincial and regional matches, Carlo Pacifici, the President of the Italian Referees’ Association, had the following to say: “Violence against women is unfortunately an ever-present issue. It’s a serious problem where everyone must come together in defence of women and to combat all forms of abuse towards the female universe. Our referees, who have always been engaged with these problems, will thus take the field with a mark on their faces to show violence the red card.”