Italian Soccer Sees Rise of Women In Leadership Roles
At just 23 years old, Claudia Rizzo has made history as the first woman to lead Ternana Calcio, a Serie C club in Umbria. The entrepreneur became president of the club in September, marking a significant milestone for women in Italian football.
Rizzo's appointment was not without its challenges. Born into a family with strong business ties, she brings a unique perspective to the role. Her father is the head of Villa Claudia group, a private healthcare company that has expanded into sport and agriculture. "I want to prove that women can lead in football just as they do in any other field," Rizzo said. She believes her experience as a small entrepreneur in agriculture will serve her well in managing the club.
Rizzo's vision for Ternana is centered around building a strong foundation from within. The club has set its sights on developing young players through an academy program, which she sees as crucial to revitalizing the team. "The future of football lies with youth," Rizzo explained. Her focus on community engagement and player support has already earned her praise from local fans.
While Rizzo's appointment is seen as a positive step forward for women in Italian football, there are still obstacles to overcome. The country's lower leagues have struggled with financial and judicial issues, including the recent placement of Juve Stabia under judicial administration. Rizzo remains committed to running the club "cleanly and transparently."
As she navigates her new role, Rizzo is determined to establish herself as an independent leader. With a composed and practical approach, she aims to build bridges between older and younger generations while preserving the club's identity. Her leadership style reflects her words: strong, yet welcoming.
Rizzo's determination to shake up Italian football's traditional male-dominated landscape is inspiring. As she takes on this new challenge, she embodies the message that "the future is female" in a sport long dominated by men. With fresh energy and a positive push forward, Rizzo aims to create a brighter future for Ternana Calcio and for women in football leadership roles nationwide.
At just 23 years old, Claudia Rizzo has made history as the first woman to lead Ternana Calcio, a Serie C club in Umbria. The entrepreneur became president of the club in September, marking a significant milestone for women in Italian football.
Rizzo's appointment was not without its challenges. Born into a family with strong business ties, she brings a unique perspective to the role. Her father is the head of Villa Claudia group, a private healthcare company that has expanded into sport and agriculture. "I want to prove that women can lead in football just as they do in any other field," Rizzo said. She believes her experience as a small entrepreneur in agriculture will serve her well in managing the club.
Rizzo's vision for Ternana is centered around building a strong foundation from within. The club has set its sights on developing young players through an academy program, which she sees as crucial to revitalizing the team. "The future of football lies with youth," Rizzo explained. Her focus on community engagement and player support has already earned her praise from local fans.
While Rizzo's appointment is seen as a positive step forward for women in Italian football, there are still obstacles to overcome. The country's lower leagues have struggled with financial and judicial issues, including the recent placement of Juve Stabia under judicial administration. Rizzo remains committed to running the club "cleanly and transparently."
As she navigates her new role, Rizzo is determined to establish herself as an independent leader. With a composed and practical approach, she aims to build bridges between older and younger generations while preserving the club's identity. Her leadership style reflects her words: strong, yet welcoming.
Rizzo's determination to shake up Italian football's traditional male-dominated landscape is inspiring. As she takes on this new challenge, she embodies the message that "the future is female" in a sport long dominated by men. With fresh energy and a positive push forward, Rizzo aims to create a brighter future for Ternana Calcio and for women in football leadership roles nationwide.