The striker in Europe’s top 20: no Italian female soccer player had ever reached such heights. “I thought I was done with the national team, but now…”

A wonderful year, an endless career. Last July, Cristiana Girelli led Italy as captain to the semifinals of the European Championship, after helping Juve win the Scudetto by scoring 19 goals. At 35, she had the satisfaction of entering the continent’s top 20. From Paris, where she attended the Ballon d’Or award ceremony, won once again by Aitana Bonmatí, Cristiana took home 16th place: no Italian female footballer had ever ranked so high. “I’m very excited. I’ve always watched this show on TV, and being here makes me proud. Now I’m thinking about my teammates who made it possible for me to be here, because we’ve had some unforgettable moments together, both with the club and with the national team. They’re all here with me in this theater, the girls and the staff,” she said at the Chatelet. The Juventus striker is an example of longevity: a few months before the European Championship began, she wasn’t even sure she would be called up, but she worked hard to be at the top and was a key player. Now the season starts again with many positive memories behind her and one negative one: the disappointment of losing the semifinal to England.

How was it to return to play after such an intense European Championship?

“The days that followed were not easy. I think I was nervous for two weeks, maybe more. Then I tried to think about what had been instead of what could have been. It was a wonderful month and a half, one of the most beautiful periods of my career on an emotional level. We played in packed stadiums, in front of 30,000 people, situations that are difficult to replicate in our league, but I hope that sooner or later it will happen.”

Juve has opened its stadium several times: something is happening.

“I hope that not only Juve will do so, in the Champions League and when possible in the league. A Milan derby was played at San Siro. The time has come for other leading clubs to open their big stadiums. It’s time to do so if we want to grow the movement and stir up the passion that the national team has transmitted to the people.”

Were you surprised to find yourself on the Ballon d’Or list?

“Of course. There were rumors after the European Championships, and finding out that the rumors had become reality was very exciting. The fact that there were two of us on the list is important: it means that our soccer is recognized and respected.”

The other Italian was Sofia Cantore, who ranked 24th. What did you think when she chose to move from Juventus to Washington Spirit?

“I was and am very happy for her. I was among the first to tell her to seize the opportunity because I know her very well and I know how much this experience can mean for Sofia, not only in terms of soccer.”

Some say that Italian players who emigrate also represent an impoverishment of the league and therefore of the movement. What is your view?

“Boattin, Linari, and Caruso have also moved to high-level clubs. The national team will benefit from this: I have seen how much Arianna Caruso has improved in just a few months at Bayern. They are young girls and will be the driving force behind Italy’s future.”

How long will you stay with the national team? “I don’t know. Before the European Championships, I was thinking of retiring, but after how I felt last summer, I think it’s better to let my body and mind decide. I don’t want to set any limits for myself right now. I believe I will know when the time is right. I will discuss it with the coach: I think it is also right to make room for younger players. I have that in mind as well.“

Modric demonstrates that age is relatively unimportant, even in soccer…

”It is not your ID card that defines you as a soccer player. And then Soncin knows me, he knows that whatever role he wants to give me, I’ll be available.“

Let’s talk about Juve and your new teammates, such as the great signing Lia Walti.

”She dictates the tempo, she has immense quality and intelligence. You recognize a top player immediately, and she is one. She is very humble and will be a huge help to us. Then there are lots of young players who need help and time. We are strong and we want to continue to be protagonists.“

The goal for this season?

”The Women’s Cup, the league, reaching the Champions League quarterfinals. We know that we will face great teams in Europe, but the new format will allow us to play more games. Making progress in Europe is also a goal.“

How do you see yourself after soccer?

”I want to see myself happy and peaceful. I know that when I stop, I’ll miss soccer, which is everything to me now, but I hope to find adrenaline and other goals because I’m quite ambitious in everything.”