'Our tomorrow, now': Italy's new four-year plan for women's football

The Italian Football Association (FIGC) has launched a new women's football strategy as one of its key priorities for the next four years.

Factoring in all levels of women's and girls' football, the plan aims to build on encouraging recent growth, and has been developed using UEFA's women's football strategy framework, as well as additional support from European football's governing body.

FIGC's five goals for women's football

The number of girls registered to play football in Italy has risen 65 per cent in 12 yearsFIGC

- Increase the number of young registered female footballers by 50 per cent
- Achieve international success with Italy's seven national teams
- Improve the standard and allure of domestic competitions
- Grow the fanbase
- Create a professional and sustainable women's Serie A

Building on success

With Italy on the brink of qualifying for UEFA Women's EURO 2022 off the back of its first appearance at a FIFA Women's World Cup in 20 years, there is a wave of optimism around women's football in the country.

"This is the perfect moment to complete the cultural revolution that has been pending in our country for years," said FIGC president, Gabriele Gravina. "'Our tomorrow, now' isn't just a slogan - it is the phrase that best expresses the development of the women’s game in Italy and, at the same time, the importance of the movement.

"This can now be seen in practice, with daily support being given to all actors at all levels, from the footballers to the clubs, without forgetting anyone. I hope that Italy, after the UEFA Women's Champions League final which will be played in Turin next year, will soon be a candidate to host an even bigger international event."

Over the past 12 years, the number of girls in Italy registered to play has increased by 65 per cent, rising from almost 19,000 in 2008/09 to beyond 31,400 in 2019/20. It is a development aided by the decision for the FIGC to officially start organising Italy’s top-level competitions (Serie A, Serie B, Primavera, Coppa Italia and the Super Cup) from the 2018/19 season.

Valentina Giacinti of AC Milan competes for the ball with Cecilia Salvai of Juventus Getty Images

Since then, despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been yet another leap forward: television coverage – matches and in-depth broadcasts both included – has increased by 81 per cent, while the social media following of the Women’s Football Division has seen 1,000 per cent growth.

In order to reach the targets of the 'Our tomorrow, now' strategy, the FIGC will run year-round marketing campaigns to increase the visibility and appeal of women's football, working to improve accessibility by removing social barriers and guaranteeing the youngest players can follow their passions in a safe and secure environment. The organisation will also work to identify a network of sponsors, partners and media outlets dedicated to the growth of women's football.