For the first time in Italian history, a female coach will lead a male team as Patrizia Panico leads the Azzuri Under-16s for two friendlies against Germany next Wednesday and Friday.

Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2015, Patrizia Panico is an icon of the women’s game as the highest capped player for the Azzurre with 204 appearances, and leading scorer with 110 goals.

Italy vs. Germany is a classic fixture at youth level, the significance of the game has increased because it will see experimentation with VAR (Video Assistant Referees) in online mode. The international referee Daniele Orsato will take charge of the match.

Italy has a 12 team Womens Serie A established in 1968; it is currently topped by Fiorentina. The senior women's team is coached by Antonio Cabrini a former left-back highly capped for the men's national team.

Acknowledgements to vivoazzurro.it