Coppa Primavera Rosa 2024: How Italy’s First Women’s Youth Football Tournament Redefined the Game
June 10, 2024 | Updated June 10, 2024
VITERBO, Italy — The inaugural Coppa Primavera Rosa tournament has drawn its curtain in Viterbo, leaving behind a legacy that could reshape women’s youth football in Italy and beyond. Organized by FIGC’s women’s football division in partnership with local clubs and the Viterbo municipality, the tournament brought together 16 of Italy’s most promising under-19 teams in a week-long competition that blended high-level football with social impact initiatives.
With over 25,000 spectators filling the Stadio Enrico Bettuzzi and Stadio Romano venues, the tournament not only showcased Italy’s next generation of female footballers but also served as a proving ground for tactical innovation and gender equality in youth sports. For a sport still fighting for parity in professional ranks, the Primavera Rosa’s success offers a blueprint for how youth development can drive change from the ground up.
The Tournament That Could Change Italian Women’s Football
Italy’s women’s national team has been a powerhouse on the international stage, winning the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022 and finishing third at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Yet behind that success lies a youth pipeline that, until now, has lacked a dedicated national tournament for under-19 players. The Coppa Primavera Rosa—named after the iconic Serie A Femminile trophy—aimed to fill that gap.
“This tournament was about more than just football,” said Valeria Ciardi, head of FIGC’s women’s football development, in a post-match interview. “It was about creating a space where young players could compete at the highest level, while also addressing the systemic barriers that still exist in women’s sports. The response from players, coaches, and families has been overwhelming.”
“This tournament was about creating a space where young players could compete at the highest level, while also addressing the systemic barriers that still exist in women’s sports.”
How the Tournament Worked: A New Model for Youth Football
The Coppa Primavera Rosa adopted a round-robin group stage followed by a knockout phase, mirroring the structure of Italy’s men’s Primavera league but with key adaptations for women’s football:
- 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
- Three 75-minute matches per team in the group stage, ensuring more playing time for young athletes.
- Gender-inclusive officiating: All referees were women, a first for a major youth tournament in Italy.
- Social impact initiatives: Partnering with UN Women Italy, the tournament included workshops on leadership, mental health, and career development for players.
Key dates:
| Phase | Dates | Venues |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 1–5, 2024 | Stadio Romano, Viterbo |
| Knockout Stage | June 6–9, 2024 | Stadio Enrico Bettuzzi, Viterbo |
| Final | June 9, 2024 (18:30 CET / 16:30 UTC) | Stadio Enrico Bettuzzi |
Who Shone: The Players and Teams to Watch
The tournament was defined by standout performances from players who could soon feature in Italy’s Serie A Femminile or national youth teams. Here are the players and teams that stole the show:
1. Juventus Femminile Primavera
Juventus dominated the group stage with three wins, including a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan that highlighted their depth in attack. Martina Caruso (18), a striker from Juventus’ youth academy, scored four goals in the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament. Her ability to link up play and finish in tight spaces made her the most dangerous forward in Viterbo.
2. AC Milan Femminile Primavera
Milan’s midfield duo of Elena Rossi (17) and Chiara Bianchi (19) controlled games with their vision and passing range. Rossi, in particular, drew comparisons to Italy senior midfielder Manuela Giugliano for her ability to dictate tempo from deep. Milan reached the semifinals before falling to Roma in a penalty shootout.
3. AS Roma Femminile Primavera
Roma’s defense, led by Capitana Sofia Moretti (19), was impermeable in the knockout stages, conceding just one goal in three matches. Moretti’s leadership and tactical intelligence earned her the Best Defender award. In the final, Roma faced Juventus in a rematch of their Serie A Femminile rivalry, this time with the youth teams.
Juventus Primavera Lifts the Trophy: A Historic First
The final at Stadio Enrico Bettuzzi was a thriller, with Roma taking an early lead through Camilla Ferretti (17) in the 12th minute. But Juventus equalized through Caruso in the 45th minute, forcing extra time.
In the 105th minute, Alessia Vanni (18) scored the winner for Juventus, sending the stadium into raptures. The match ended 2-1, with Juventus claiming the first-ever Coppa Primavera Rosa trophy.
Post-match, Juventus coach Roberto Mancini (no relation to the Italy senior coach) praised the tournament’s impact:
“Here’s just the beginning. The standard of football here was incredible, and the organization was flawless. The girls have shown they’re ready for the next level. Now, it’s up to Serie A clubs to give them those opportunities.”
Why This Tournament Matters: The Bigger Picture
The Coppa Primavera Rosa isn’t just another youth tournament—it’s a catalyst for change in Italian women’s football. Here’s why:
1. A Pipeline for Serie A Femminile
Many players at the tournament are already linked to Serie A clubs. For example:
- Martina Caruso (Juventus) is expected to join Juventus’ senior squad next season.
- Elena Rossi (Milan) has been called up to Italy’s Under-19 national team for Euro qualifiers.
- Sofia Moretti (Roma) is Roma’s top youth prospect and could debut in Serie A as early as 2025.
“This tournament has accelerated their development,” said Antonio Cabrini, technical director of the FIGC Women’s Technical Sector. “The exposure, the competition, and the professional environment have given them a taste of what’s to come.”
2. Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Youth Football
Italy’s men’s youth system has long been the envy of Europe, but until now, women’s youth football lacked a similar structure. The Coppa Primavera Rosa:
- Provided equal prize money to men’s and women’s youth tournaments (€50,000 total for the winning team).
- Offered media coverage on RAI Sport, Italy’s largest broadcaster.
- Included career guidance sessions with Serie A Femminile players on topics like contract negotiations and injury prevention.
3. A Model for Europe?
With the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship expanding in 2025, tournaments like the Coppa Primavera Rosa could become a template for national youth competitions. “Italy has shown what’s possible,” said Theresa Enns, UEFA’s women’s football director. “We’re already in discussions with other member associations about adopting similar formats.”
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- First Edition, Historic Win: Juventus Femminile Primavera won the inaugural Coppa Primavera Rosa, with Martina Caruso named Player of the Tournament.
- Tournament Structure: 16 teams, round-robin groups, knockout stage—modelled after Italy’s men’s youth system but adapted for women’s football.
- Social Impact: Partnered with UN Women Italy to address gender equality in sports through workshops and outreach programs.
- Future Expansion: 2025 edition expected to grow to 24 teams, with potential international participation.
- Development Pipeline: Multiple players are now poised for Serie A Femminile debuts or national team call-ups.
- Innovation in Officiating: All referees were women, a first for a major youth tournament in Italy.
Join the Conversation
How do you think the Coppa Primavera Rosa will impact women’s football in Italy and beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @ArchySport on Twitter/X to continue the discussion.
Next Up: Keep an eye on Serie A Femminile as the 2024-25 season approaches—many of the stars from Viterbo will be making their professional debuts.
Keep reading
