Keeping memories of the past alive to aim even higher. In the mind of Sofia Cantore, there are still the images of that little girl who started out at the parish oratory of San Vittore Martire in Missaglia and – with plenty passion and a touch of healthy impulsiveness – has gone on to play for Juventus and Italy. “I’d relive every single moment if I could, as if I were in a perpetual dream,” admitted the striker to Vivo Azzurro TV. Many of the football dreams of the 25-year-old from Lecco have already come true, but her biggest one would be “to win something with Italy.”

MUD AND FRIENDSHIP. Sofia kicked her first ball with her primary school classmates in Missaglia, a commune of 9000 residents in the Province of Lecco. “That’s where it all started. Even as a child, this sport gave me so much satisfaction. I trained with the friends I still have today, and I liked coming home dirty after playing outdoors in the mud. All of this created important bonds that remain with me today.”

After an impressive trial, she left home aged 14 to begin her experience with Fiammamonza, where she stayed for five years before getting the call from Juventus. “From a football perspective, I would have liked to put more dedication into what I was doing. My impulsiveness led me to experience things more superficially. I’d joined Juve, but it hadn’t registered in my mind. When I think back to those years, I think I could have been a bit more committed. As a child, I was a bit…”. With a smile on her face, she left the sentence hanging, aware that you always learn from experiences and mistakes.

2018, A TURNING POINT. After celebrating her first Scudetto in Bianconere colours (followed by another one, plus two Coppa Italia triumphs and a Supercoppa sucess), she faced a sudden setback at 18 after suffering an ACL injury. “The injury in 2018 was the turning point in my career. The rehabilitation forged me and gave me so many of the qualities that I now bring to the pitch. One of those characteristics, the most notable of all, is a spirit of sacrifice. I remember crying because the physiotherapist made me run so much, and often I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I learnt the meaning of the word ‘work’ during that period.” Since then, ‘Sofi’ has made great strides forward technically and mentally, becoming a point of reference for her teammates through her goals and selflessness. Loan spells ay Verona, Florentia and Sassuolo helped her become a complete and modern forward, paving the way for her second chapter in Turin. Two more trophies have since arrived, and she is now a key part of the Italy setup.

THE NATIONAL TEAM, ‘YOU’VE GOT THE LOVE’. From appearances at U17 and U19 level to making the big leap into the senior side, for whom she’s scored four goals in 31 appearances so far. Her most recent goal helped Italy secure a historic first-ever victory on German soil in December, a fantastic moment that was preceded by a brace against Malta in October and a header away to England, the reigning European champions, in February 2023. "My first Italy goal was an incredible feeling. We were in Coventry for the Arnold Clark Cup, the stadium was full, and I remember we warmed up to the song ‘You’ve got the love’. For me, scoring is like a release; it’s great to help the team, and I experienced special joy that day.”

Florence and the Machine’s song, a soundtrack representing her love for the Italy shirt. “The National Team is huge; it’s that thrill you feel when you sing the national anthem. The highest point was the World Cup, which, unfortunately, didn’t go well. Coach Soncin then came in, and he’s brought fresh ideas, focusing on every detail and preparing each match as if it were a final.” The eyes don’t lie, and those of Sofia light up at the thought of achieving her big dream: “Winning something with Italy would be fantastic. You represent your country and share a changing room with a group of friends. Just thinking about it makes me smile.”