Panico's attacking instincts

By Paolo Menicucci & Pete Sanderson

First stars
The women's game has also profited in the talent department too, with striker Patrizia Panico the second genuine star to don the national shirt. Ironically, the first major talent was her Italian coach and mentor Carolina Morace who believes her prize forward can go on to become one of the greatest ever.

Ice-cool temperament
Panico, who will grace the European stage at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™, is the very reason most Italians believe they have a chance of lifting silverware this June and, unlike her name may suggest, it is her ice-cool temperament in the box which sets her apart from her rivals.

'Special player'
"Panico is a special player," Morace told uefa.com. "She is strong on the ball and a real predator in the box. She will be very important to our challenge for glory in England." As the Italian captain, Panico would be quick to point out the crucial role her strike partner Ilaria Pasqui has played in her development and the two plan to continue their scoring form when Italy get under way tonight, with Panico hoping to overcome a rib injury to play.

First call
Having scored more then 20 goals for Italy, the 30-year-old striker is arguably the most experienced and famous player of the Italian national team. She made her Serie A debut at 19 with S.S Lazio and the following season moved on loan to Torino Calcio where she had a great season, scoring 32 goals and earning her first call for the Azzurre.

Famous player
Next came a switch to Modena where she was introduced to Morace - a player who would have a real impact on her career. "It was great to play with the attacker I have always considered as my biggest example to follow," Panico said.

Top scorer
With Panico and Morace in attack, Modena won the Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup and the striker became a regular presence for Italy. She eventually returned to Lazio where she was Serie A's top-scorer for four consecutive seasons between 1998 and 2002, winning another Scudetto in 2002.

American dream
Panico's excellent form was soon commanding attention on the world stage and in 2001 she came close to signing a lucrative contract with American professional side Philadelphia Charge. The rules governing amateur women's football in Italy, however, prevented the move and she has continued to ply her trade in her homeland, leaving Lazio for Torino last December.

Coaching role
As well as being a talented player, Panico can also turn her hand to coaching. She took charge of Lazio's youth team when she played in the Italian capital and hopes to move into coaching when she retires from playing. Off the pitch, she loves going out eating and enjoys good food and a glass of fine wine. No doubt the Lazio fanatic will swap wine for champagne should she fire her side to glory in England.