Flashscore published an exclusive interview with Elena Linari on 29 October. The 32-year-old Italy captain spoke about EURO 2025, her move to London City Lionesses and the cultural landscape around women's football in Italy.
Italy reached the semi-finals at EURO 2025 for the first time in 28 years, then lost to eventual champions England after conceding the decisive goal in the 119th minute of extra time. Linari was also the only Italian player selected in UEFA's official Team of the Tournament.
EURO 2025 campaign
Linari said she was fortunate enough to play every match at EURO 2025. She said: "I think EURO 2025 was a magical moment for all of us, for Italian women's football and for the national team, especially considering the support we received from fans both in Switzerland and back home."
Linari also said Italy's preparation for EURO 2025 included intense training sessions in the heat of Florence, often very early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Career and early years
Linari has won five Italian league titles and one Spanish championship, and she has more than 125 international caps and over 360 appearances at the highest levels of European football. She said: "I started playing football when I was five years old, but as I often say, I actually think I started playing when I was still in my mother's womb."
Linari said she chose football over swimming when her mother told her she had to choose between the two sports. Her career abroad has taken her to Spain, France with Bordeaux and England, and she said her period of adjustment abroad has always taken around six months to a year.
Move to London City Lionesses
Linari has joined London City Lionesses. She said it was not easy to leave Roma after four years there. She said: "What convinced me about London City was definitely the project, which is extremely ambitious and aims to create something unique and historic in football, not just women's football."
Linari also said London City is a new club built practically from scratch, and that the club and its ownership are determined to invest in every area, not just the first team but also the youth development system and the coaching and support staff.
Women's football in Italy
Linari said Italy need to qualify for the World Cup if they want to build on their EURO 2025 success. Speaking about the situation in Italy, she said: "Yes, I think there's still a cultural issue, perhaps also a certain reluctance to give space and attention to sports other than those that traditionally enjoy greater visibility."
She also said of her career: "My greatest victory is having reached where I am today without ever giving up, despite all the difficulties."