Daniela Sabatino

Daniela’s mother has always said that she was “born with a ball”. At just 14, her parents allowed her to leave home to pursue football, trusting her to follow her dream.

Daniela grew up playing football near the church in the tiny village of Castelguidone. During the 2019 World Cup, the local priest even postponed the traditional Saint Vitus procession because the whole village wanted to watch her play for Italy.

Daniela describes stubbornness as her “superpower”. Her mother calls her a capatosta — someone who, once she decides to achieve something, will do everything possible to make it happen.

Daniela has supported AC Milan since childhood, and Filippo Inzaghi became one of her greatest goalscoring inspirations. Her movement inside the penalty area even earned her the nickname “Pippo Gol” from Brescia supporters.

Daniela’s first inseparable football companion was an orange Super Santos ball, which she would kick around while following her father and cousin to matches played by their village team.

Daniela’s personal goal celebration consists of kissing one of her tattoos before looking up towards the sky.

In 2019, Daniela revealed that one of her personal dreams was to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes after hearing friends describe the powerful atmosphere of the sanctuary, its grotto and encounters with sick pilgrims.