By Marta Elena Casanova
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In the world of Italian football—long dominated by whistles, grey suits, and male voices—a woman broke the silence in 1979. Her name is Grazia Pinna, and she was the first woman to officiate an official football match in Italy. A historic turning point, perhaps overlooked by many, but one that marked the beginning of a profound shift in the national refereeing landscape.
Who is Grazia Pinna and why she was so important
Born in Sardinia, Grazia Pinna had a passion for football that went beyond the traditional roles assigned to women at the time. In an era when even playing ball in the yard was seen as “unfeminine,” she dreamed of the field from a different perspective: that of the referee. After a difficult training path, she earned her qualification to officiate official matches. Her debut came in 1979—met with scepticism, sarcasm, and doubt—but with the same authority and preparation as her male colleagues.
Her debut was not just symbolic: Grazia proved that a woman could run a match with firmness, skill, and impartiality, just like a man. Despite the difficulties—chants, sneers, and open hostility—she never backed down. Her whistle marked not just a game, but a new chapter in the history of Italian refereeing.
The evolution of women referees in the AIA: numbers and growing presence
After Grazia, the road was neither easy nor fast. For many years, the presence of women referees within the AIA (Italian Referees Association) remained minimal. However, over time, as society changed, more and more women chose to follow this path.
In the 1990s, the number of female referees began to grow, thanks in part to greater media attention on women’s football. The real turning point came in the 2000s, when the AIA launched targeted recruitment campaigns and promoted inclusion more actively.
According to 2024 data from the AIA, there are now over 2,000 registered female referees out of around 33,000 members, with steady annual growth. Although the percentage remains small (about 6%), it marks significant progress compared to previous decades.
Women referees today: top-tier matches and leadership roles
Today, women referees are no longer confined to youth or regional leagues. Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi, for example, made history as the first woman to officiate a men’s Serie A match in 2022. A milestone that echoes Grazia Pinna’s bold step and further strengthens the legitimacy of women in refereeing.
At the same time, more women are taking on leadership roles within the AIA, proving that competence knows no gender. Local sections are offering targeted training and campaigns to break down stereotypes and cultural barriers, especially in smaller towns.
The future is still being written (and whistled)
Grazia Pinna’s story is a powerful reminder: every advancement begins with a courageous act. If we see women officiating major finals today, it’s also thanks to those like her, who dared when no one else would.
Today, the AIA looks to the future with greater awareness: to train, support, and elevate women referees is not just about fairness—it’s about improving the quality and diversity of Italian refereeing. Grazia’s whistle, though distant in time, still echoes every time a young woman steps onto the pitch in black, ready to be heard.
By Marta Elena Casanova
