Woman makes football history after becoming the first woman to coach an Italian male national team

In the first of its kind in footballing history, a woman will coach a male outfit in Italy when former Italy's all-time leading goal scorer Patrizia Panico becomes the first female coach to hold such a prestigious role when she takes the helm of the national under-16 team next week. 

Patrizia Panico, 42, rated as the best female footballer from Italy, is assistant for the under-16s but the head coach Daniele Zoratto is set to take over the under-19 side temporarily, propelling her into the top post for a spell.

 

Panico hopes she can help break through some barriers when she takes on her new role in her first match for Italy's under-16s against Germany in a friendly in Verona next week.

Panico, who scored 110 goals for Italy in a mammoth 204 international appearances is optimistic it will not be a novelty to see women in such positions in future.

"There are many walls still to break down," said Panico.

"But this will help them fall."

"To be the first woman to coach a male side is a huge success for me," added Panico.

Panico, who ended her playing career just a year ago said;

"I've always worn a tracksuit up to now, but I'll put on a suit next Wednesday and, who knows, maybe I'll wear high heels -- at least that way it will feel like I am still wearing studs."