Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi is set to make history in Serie A Matchday 8, becoming the first-ever female referee to take charge of a men’s top-flight match in Italy. Ferrieri Caputi will be responsible for Sassuolo v Salernitana at the Mapei Stadium.
It had been expected for some time that a female official would be called upon to oversee a men’s Serie A match this season, with many having speculated that the time would come before the extended winter break for the 2022 World Cup.
Reaction to the Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi being named the first-ever female referee in Serie A
Alfredo Trentalange, president of the AIA – the Italian Referees’ Association – praised Ferrieri Caputi’s work and congratulated her on her appointment.
“It’s not just a trivial day, I’m thrilled,” Trentalange said. “Maria Sole will debut in Serie A on merit, without having taken shortcuts.
“She’s there on ability, on her skills. She also has the Under-17s Women’s World Cup to come.
“We’re about to experience something historic after more than 110 years. We thank everybody who believed in her, including FIFA and those around her, also to UEFA.
“We haven’t handed her any favours. Maria Sole has worked and earned this. This is a success for the whole organisation.”
Ferrieri Caputi: The first-ever female referee in Serie A
Ferrieri Caputi has earned her place in the Italian men’s top flight. The Livorno native has already acted as the fourth official in Serie A this season, being on the sidelines of Udinese’s 2-1 win over Monza in Matchday 3 of this 2022/23 Serie A season. Then, Beto and Destiny Udogie scored as the Zebrette came from behind to win in Lombardia.
As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrieri Caputi has previously taken charge of 23 Serie C matches, three in Serie B, and one in the Coppa Italia as well.
She is also set to be one of the designated officials at the Under-17s Women’s World Cup in India from October 11-30.
In May 2021, Maria Marotta became the first-ever female referee to take charge of a game in Serie B.
