The Azzurre’s run has come to an end in the quarters, but the feeling is that the World Cup in France represents a new path for women’s football. The day after their defeat to the Netherlands, Milena Bertolini’s side will return home with their heads held high in the knowledge that they’ve achieved the objectives that they set themselves prior to the tournament: 100% commitment on the pitch, flying the Italian colours high and, above all, exciting and captivating millions of fans.

Excellent numbers also tuned in to watch the match against the Netherlands, which was broadcast yesterday afternoon on Rai 1 and Sky Sport Mondiali, with yet another audience share record being set: 6,109,000 viewers followed the game – a share of 44.35%. On Rai 1, 5,223,000 people tuned in (37.90%), and this moved up to a peak of 5,360,000 (40.26%) in the second half.

 

The Women’s National Team will return to Italy this evening: their flight from Brussels will land in Fiumicino at 20:30 CEST. Upon arriving at the airport, the Azzurre will greet fans and meet journalists in what will be the final part of a long, emotional adventure. It all started off with a comeback win against Australia before a big victory over Jamaica and a narrow defeat to Brazil. The Azzurre then beat China in the round of 16 prior to being eliminated by the Dutch yesterday. Milena Bertolini wanted the whole of her staff to be beside her as she held her final press conference of the tournament: “During this World Cup, there have been two teams: one made up of the players and one behind them consisting of the technical, medical and organisational staff, all of whom have worked with passion, intensity and know-how,” the Head Coach said. “I wanted them to be here with me today. I would like to thank the Federation for giving us everything that we asked for in order to do well.”

Today, the Head Coach looked back on the defeat to the Oranje and admitted that the better team emerged victorious: “I didn’t sleep well last night and kept waking up, but this is normal after a game. We played well in the first half, but we lacked a bit of strength in the second period. It’s disappointing because we were enjoying a big adventure, but the better side won. I believe that the girls are now more aware of their qualities. This is a starting point, there’s a basis from which we can build for the future. I’m proud of the fact that the girls have made all Italians aware of their football and also enthused them: this is our real success at this World Cup.”

After expressing her wish for Italian women’s football to turn professional (“these girls deserve it”), Milena Bertolini hopes that a light will continue to be shone on the women’s game in Italy: “I’d like to ask Italians and the media to continue to follow these girls: the more interest that is shown, the more resources there will be. If the girls are put in a position where they’re able to take part in sport at high levels, the spectacle will also get better. I think that this World Cup has accelerated a cultural change, it’s changed Italians’ thoughts about women’s football a bit.” In the past month, there have been many people offering praise: “I’ve continuously received messages from Roberto Mancini and recognition from other colleagues who coach men’s teams.”