Coppa Italia Women
The Coppa Italia Women is Italy's premier national cup competition for women's football, run by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). It brings together top clubs from across the divisions, offering underdogs a shot at glory alongside Serie A Femminile powerhouses. Known for its drama and upsets, the tournament tests squad depth and provides thrilling knockout action throughout the season.
History and foundation
The women's Coppa Italia traces its roots to the 1980s amid the sport's growth in Italy, with official FIGC sanctioning from 1997. Early dominance came from clubs like ASD CF Bardolino Verona and Torres, but Juventus Femminile has ruled since 2017, clinching multiple titles. Memorable moments include the 2019 final where Juventus edged Fiorentina 2-0, and San Verdese's 2021 semi-final run from Serie B. Reforms in 2018 professionalized Serie A, boosting the cup's prestige and attendance.
Tournament format
The format features a knockout structure: round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals (two legs), and a single final on neutral ground. Around 32 teams qualify, including all 12 Serie A sides, Serie B clubs, and lower-league standouts. Draws are open, with early rounds single-leg and later stages home-and-away. The 2023/24 edition kicked off in October, culminating in a May final, often at iconic venues like the Stadio Olimpico.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.5, spiking to 4 in qualifiers. Top scorers include Cristiana Girelli (Juventus) with over 15 cup goals, Barbara Bonansea (Torres era icon), and Alessia Di Andra. Standout players: Sofia Carli (Juventus captain), Inter's keeper Romagnoli, Roma's Matei — all game-changers. Emerging stars like Milan's Lydia Boaschen dazzle with skill, highlighting the tournament's role in talent development.