Panico already works in the staff as an assistant to Coach Daniele Zoratto, but she’ll take over for two games next week while Zoratto is away with the Under-19 team.
“I didn’t even know that Zoratto was leaving on those dates, but it makes sense because I am his assistant,” the 42-year-old said to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Zoratti told me himself, but I can’t reveal what I exclaimed at the news… I think we need to knock down many walls and this decision helps that process. Being the first woman to sit on the bench of a men’s Nazionale side is undoubtedly a fine achievement and I like to think that my first time can be the first for my many colleagues too.”
Panico will be the Coach for the Under-16 side’s friendlies against Germany in Verona on March 22 and Caldeiro Terme on March 24.