After Italy’s women’s football team failed to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, coach Melina Bertolini has decided to resign from her position.
Melina, 57, had been in charge since 2017 and had a contract until the end of August.
His team’s players took to social media to post an open letter after their 3-2 loss to South Africa in their final group match. The team has now returned home.
Although Bertolini was not named in the letter, it was clear who was the target of his criticism as he claimed that while he was ‘not scared, we felt a lack of confidence’ and ‘before Euro 2022 and Now in this World Cup, there have been difficult (meetings).’
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Bertolini, who led Italy to the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup, posted an angry farewell message on Instagram on Sunday night.
“It’s very easy and obvious to find a scapegoat,” said Bertolini, a legendary player who played 150 matches for his country.
He said that the danger is that we become involved in fighting among ourselves and cannot present a united front against our opponents.
‘I don’t feel any resentment as a result and I don’t feel guilty and I won’t blame anyone.’
The Italian players fell to their knees after the loss to South Africa and started crying over the sudden end of the competition for them.
The 54th-ranked team in the world stunned 16th-ranked Italy by FIFA with a 3-2 victory over Italy in Wednesday’s Group G final. South Africa won with a stoppage time goal by Thembi Kgatlana.
It was Italy’s fourth Women’s World Cup, where they have reached the quarter-finals twice. It had reached this stage in 2019 as well.
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**Interview with Sports Analyst: Valentina Rossi on Melina Bertolini’s Resignation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Valentina. The news of Melina Bertolini’s resignation from the Italian women’s football team came as a surprise to many. What are your initial thoughts on her decision?
**Valentina Rossi:** Thank you for having me. Melina’s resignation is certainly significant, especially after a challenging World Cup campaign. She’s been with the team since 2017, and it’s clear that the frustrations of the recent performances played a critical role in her decision. It seems like a culmination of pressure, especially after the team’s disappointing exit in the group stages.
**Interviewer:** The players expressed their feelings in an open letter following their loss to South Africa. What do you think this says about the team dynamic and their support for Bertolini?
**Valentina Rossi:** The letter signals a complicated relationship. On one hand, the players recognize the challenges they’ve faced, and on the other, there seems to be a collective frustration that perhaps stems from a lack of confidence in recent matches. It’s telling that while Bertolini wasn’t explicitly named, the criticism aimed towards the coaching staff was evident. It shows solidarity among the players but also highlights a disconnect in expectations between them and the coaching strategy.
**Interviewer:** Bertolini mentioned feeling a ‘lack of confidence’ in the team’s performance. Do you think this is a reflection of broader issues within the team’s setup?
**Valentina Rossi:** Yes, absolutely. The lack of confidence indicates more than just tactical issues; it suggests deeper-rooted psychological challenges. This team has potential, but if players are feeling uncertain about their abilities or strategies, it can severely impact performances. The pressure of high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup often exacerbates these feelings, and unfortunately, the results speak for themselves.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what steps do you think the Italian Football Federation should take to rebuild the women’s team after Bertolini’s departure?
**Valentina Rossi:** The Federation needs to prioritize finding a coach who not only has a strong tactical understanding but can also instill confidence and resilience in the players. It’s crucial to create a supportive environment that encourages open communication and development. Additionally, investing in youth programs and building a solid foundation can help ensure that future teams are competitive on the world stage.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Valentina. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important topic in women’s football.
**Valentina Rossi:** Thank you for having me; it’s vital that we keep the conversation going about the growth and support of women’s sports.
