Julie Piga

She was born in Lyon, but she describes Roccasecca, in Lazio, as being “at heart” her home because that is where her father’s family comes from.

One of her fondest childhood memories is celebrating Italy’s 2006 World Cup win on the streets of Lyon.

She did not wait to be approached about Italy; she contacted the FIGC herself to make the switch.

Football was a family affair from the start, with her father, brother and sister all supporting Italy at home.

Her big brother was her first football reference point, and she followed his example into the game very early.

As a child, she played with boys and primary-school friends in Feyzin before moving to Chaponnay Marennes at 12 and then joining Lyon’s U14 setup.

A serious injury in November 2018 slowed her progress, but she rebuilt her career through Grenoble and then Fleury.

Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Cannavaro were her childhood idols, and she even named her dog Pirlo after the midfielder.