From Turin to Washington: Sofia Cantore Opens the Door for the Azzurre

While the NWSL is one of the fastest-growing leagues in women’s football , offering opportunities and structures different from those in Europe, its player pool is still largely dominated by Americans. Close behind are players from Mexico and Brazil, alongside a handful of notable Europeans, such as German goalkeeping legend Ann-Katrin Berger or Norway’s Guro Reiten, who recently arrived from Chelsea. But when it comes to Italian players, the league had to wait.

That changed in June 2025, when Italian forward Sofia Cantore joined the Washington Spirit. The club, home to stars like Trinity Rodman, signed Cantore from Juventus, where she had won multiple titles and was even named Serie A Forward of the Season.

For the Michelle Kang-owned franchise, it was a move that combined reliability with trailblazing potential. Europeans remain relatively rare in the NWSL, and Cantore became the first Italian player in the league’s history. For her, too, it was a leap into the unknown. At 26, she had spent her entire career in Italy. Yet the NWSL continues to grow, expanding with new teams each season and increasingly attracting players from across the globe.

Italy, meanwhile, has long been a cornerstone of football culture, and the women’s game is no exception. Serie A continues to improve year after year, something reflected in the national team’s impressive run at Euro 2025. The Azzurre knocked out favourites Norway in the quarter-finals and came within touching distance of defeating England.

That rise on the international stage turned Cantore into a highly sought-after player. At Washington Spirit, they recognised that her Italian technical ability and athleticism could bring something fresh to the league.

“Her extensive experience in the Italian leagues and exceptional talent in the attacking third will help add a new layer for the Spirit moving forward,” said head coach Adrian Gonzalez upon her arrival.

Opening the door for the Azzurre

Cantore’s move from Turin to Washington, D.C. was about more than just a change in time zones. She had to quickly adapt to a new, and arguably more physically demanding,  league, as well as a different approach to the women’s game. Compared to many European competitions, the NWSL stands out for its attendances, larger stadiums, and distinct financial model.

It did not take long for other Italians to follow.

Cantore is no longer alone at Washington Spirit, where she has been joined by her international teammate Lucia Di Guglielmo. Elsewhere, former Juventus teammate Lisa Boattin now represents Houston, while Bay FC have brought in one of Italy’s biggest stars, Cristiana Girelli who is on the loan from Juventus.

Considering these numbers, it is almost hard to believe that just a year ago, there were no Italian players in the NWSL.

Cantore’s story in Washington is proof that football speaks a universal language, whether on the banks of the Tiber or the Potomac. For young Italian girls now watching highlights of her goals in a Spirit shirt, the United States is no longer just a distant dream on a screen.

It is a real pathway one that Sofia Cantore was the first to pave.