Annamaria Serturini perfectly embodies the spirit of Gen Z in the world of sports. Growing up with a ball at her feet, today she is one of the stars of Italian women's football in Inter Women, with the determination and ambition of someone who knows that change is possible. In a constantly evolving landscape, her journey tells a story of personal and collective growth, between dreams come true and new challenges.
“I was lucky enough to play with great female football players from a young age. Once, to follow the players you admired, you had to go to the stadium. These days, however, girls can watch the games on TV and say: “One day I would like to be like Annamaria Serturini”. This is a huge step forward for women's football," she says. Growing up in an environment where women's football was still trying to find its space, she experienced the evolution of the movement first-hand. “When I started, there were few opportunities for girls. Today things are improving: the facilities are developing and there's more visibility, but there's still a lot to do. We need to invest in young women, creating a pathway that allows everyone to grow in a professional and competitive environment, without feeling a step behind their male colleagues”.
Today she plays for Inter, a club that has invested heavily in the women's project. “We are an integral part of a family. Not all clubs, until a few years ago, had a men's club behind them, and that makes a difference. It makes you feel like you're in the real deal of football and raises the level of professionalism of the entire movement." But the journey is still long. "There's a clear gap between men's and women's football. To bridge it, we need investments, but above all, competent people who know how to manage resources the right way. We need professionals who grow with us. If the environment stays stagnant, we struggle to evolve too. Integration with major clubs also helps in the public perception: people get used to considering women's football on par with men's, and that's precisely the cultural shift we need to promote.”
Beyond athletic preparation, the mental component plays a crucial role in an athlete's career. “For four years I've been working with a mental coach and a psychologist. The mental coach helps me with sports performance, while the psychologist works on my daily well-being. The mind is the primary instrument: the body follows”. Once, mental health in sports was a taboo. Today, however, it's an aspect increasingly taken into consideration. “There were many prejudices, but now more and more players seek psychological support. Talking about your emotions is fundamental, especially in a competitive world like ours. It means knowing how to manage pressure, expectations, and even the disappointments that are part of our job. I believe that the new generations of athletes are more aware of this and are less afraid to ask for help”.
Playing in the Champions League is a concrete goal for her and the team. “I've been lucky enough to play in it several times and to score. These are moments you wait for your whole life. Now we're working to get back there: it would mean so much to me, my team-mates, and the club. It shouldn't be an unattainable dream, but a goal within our reach.” But European competitions aren't the only things on her mind. “I want to continue improving every day, trying to give my best. I believe that football is a journey of continuous growth, and as long as I have the motivation to raise the bar, I know I'll be on the right path.
And the future? “I don't know yet if I'll stay in the world of football, but if I did, I'd see myself more in a management role than as a coach. I'd like to work on the development of women's football, perhaps helping to create new opportunities for young women. For now, I want to focus on the present and give my best.”
Finding the right balance between passion and profession is the key to never losing motivation. “I'm fortunate to do what I love. I wake up every morning knowing that my job is also my greatest passion. Of course, there are responsibilities and difficult moments, but I face everything with a smile. You have to manage the competition with lightness and positivity, without forgetting the fun.” This attitude makes her a role model for many young aspiring football players. “I hope to set a positive example for girls. My dream was to turn my passion into my job, and I succeeded. Now I want to help those who come after us find an even smoother path. Many generations have worked to open the doors of women's football; now it's our turn to make it even bigger.”
Looking ahead, Annamaria Serturini has clear ideas about what it means to be an athlete of her generation. “We of Gen Z grew up with the awareness that we have to build our future with determination. We know that things aren't handed to us, but that makes us even hungrier for success. We're not afraid to get involved, to change, to innovate. This applies to football as much as to life.” With determination and an ever-present smile, Annamaria Serturini continues to write her chapter in women's football. A story of ambition, resilience, and the desire to change the rules of the game.
