Italy Serie A Women

On 25 June 2020, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced that Serie A Femminile would achieve professional status by 2022. Previously, the team was recognized as "amateur athletes". Serie A Femminile traces its origins back to the 1960s. However, due to widespread disinterest, neglect, prejudice, and institutional barriers, the league struggled to gain a foothold, delaying the development of women's football in Italy for many years. A turning point came in the summer of 2019 when the Azzurre's impressive performance, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2019 Women's World Cup, captured the nation's heart. This sparked a movement towards the professionalization of women's football, championed by figures like Gravina|Gabriele Gravina, president of the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC). Later that year, the Italian Senate passed an amendment to the 2020 Budget Law, paving the way for amateur athletes to turn professional.

After achieving professional status, salary increased for the players of Serie A Femminile. Previously, there was no standard salary. Previously, the maximum salary was capped at €30,658 gross per season (about $33,000 at the time). Players received additional stipends for travel, flat-rate reimbursements, and performance-related bonuses, though these could not exceed €61.97 per day for up to five days a week. Before the league's professionalization, there was no standardized salary structure. Now, players and staff are guaranteed a minimum annual salary of €26,000 (Sky Sport). Moreover, the 'maximum wage' cap has been removed, allowing teams the freedom to pay top players as they see fit. Beyond salary improvements, professionalization introduces additional benefits like pensions and healthcare. In the past, a serious injury could prematurely end a player's career, impacting their future prospects due to the lack of a safety net. Now, with access to medical treatment, pensions, and other support, players have greater security both during and after their football careers. Benefits also include maternity leave and eligibility for unemployment assistance. However, these new contracts pose potential risks for younger players. Their contracts are typically secure only if the team remains financially stable or does not decide to release them (Football Workshop). Therefore, young players must carefully consider their team choices to avoid being locked into unfavorable contracts.