After the tournament, she will go to play in Washington, the first Italian woman in the National Women’s Soccer League: “Coach Soncin has always believed in us, and from my teammates’ tears, I realized that we have rewritten history.”

Now she sets the music, on the field with her assists and off the field with her modern choices. Sofia Cantore inspired Cristiana Girelli with two assists, but took away her role as the team’s DJ, which she now performs (and with great care) alongside Arianna Caruso. Tired from a long night of celebrations but quick with a joke, she laughs when it is pointed out that she has taken the playlist reins from the veteran. “Eh, let’s say that music evolves. Cri was still playing holiday resort music. Then, when it comes to celebrating and getting everyone involved, Carrà is always a good choice.”

How do you feel after qualifying for the semifinals?

“I’m struggling to realize what’s happening, I always need a little time. But seeing the others, especially the older girls with tears in their eyes, made me realize that we had done something historic.”

What was the key to success?

“I couldn’t say, we talked about it a lot among ourselves. I think last-minute goals come because there’s something pushing you. Something that goes beyond football skills. We were suffering, and our unity of purpose helped us. It just seemed like it was meant to be. We started dreaming, and that attitude has brought us this far.”

But football skills do count, like your assists to Girelli…

“The first was a shot, Cristiana did well to deflect it into the net. The second… I looked up and saw three girls, Caruso, Girelli, and Cambiaghi, calling for the cross. I said to myself: I’ll move it to the right and put it in the box. It was as if I knew it would be the right ball. Attacking the box like that means really believing you can reach your goal.”

Which was, at best, the semifinals. Are you looking beyond that now?

“We’re not setting any limits right now. But we know that reaching the final is a difficult goal.”

What has coach Soncin brought to this group?

“He has given us a lot of confidence. He told us from day one that we could compete with anyone. And on a tactical level, he takes care of every detail: we take to the field always knowing exactly what we have to do.“

The coach says that your football has purity, President Gravina said that you are the symbol of the most beautiful Italy, the one that never gives up. Is that an accolade that puts pressure on you?

”There is a different kind of purity, because we have taken different paths. But I don’t believe certain things I read. I don’t think the guys wear the blue jersey without the right motivation. I think they’re just like us, even if they’ve taken different paths. And the president’s comments are an incentive: every day is a struggle to get more people involved in the movement. We put our strength on the field, along with that of all the girls and young women who want to play soccer.”

You’re doing well, judging by the TV ratings.

“The results help and we’re trying to go even higher. The national team is like a family.”

Sofia, you’re one of the youngest players on the team: after this European Championship, you’ll be playing in the United States, in Washington, the first Italian woman in that league. How did you decide to leave Juventus?

“I’m a curious person and I like the idea of getting to know another kind of soccer and another culture. As for my age, at 25 I feel a bit like a link between the senior players and the younger ones. Let’s say I belong to the middle generation.“

Do you ever hear the epic stories of when you played on clay courts?

”I hear them, and I also think they are part of an important legacy, because those difficulties led to the many achievements that have brought us this far. We must move forward without forgetting the values that come from those difficulties. I especially hear stories of epic bus trips from Brescia to Bari, lunch at a motorway restaurant, and then playing in the afternoon. These are iconic moments, but on the other hand, I happened to train on a nine-a-side pitch, which is why I consider myself part of the middle generation. And I think that our journey and our values must be preserved. I’m lucky to be living in a time of change, but so much passion has borne fruit and must not be lost.“

Sofia, let’s not talk about the final. Apart from that, what is your next dream?

”To graduate in Food Science. Sooner or later, I’ll get that blessed degree.”