22 July 2023
Martina Rosucci gave an interview to Adidas to discuss a number of things. She spoke about the path that led her to the Bianconere, the Italian National Team, her life as a professional football and more.
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Early days: When Juventus was just a distant dream
The Women's World Cup kicked off on July 20, 2023, although Italy won't debut until July 24. Representing the Azzurre is a dream for any player. "It's the greatest thing you can do," Rosucci said, discussing her own journey to the national team.
Becoming a professional footballer doesn't mean that other sports weren't of interest, and Martina admitted that her first love was actually ballet. She tried her luck in football because of her brother Matteo.
"I'm from Turin, I'm a Juventus fan, so not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this."
Rosucci sees herself as a player who uses her head a lot, which perhaps helps as she recovers from a serious injury
In early 2023, Martina suffered a serious injury to the cruciate ligament in her right knee, forcing her out of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Throughout her career, the work Rosucci has done on her mental strength has been instrumental, as she herself admits.
"In certain moments of the game it really makes a difference to have that strength of mind and lucidity of thought to read the game and to maybe find the opponents' weak point."
This strength of mind will help Rosucci to recover from her injury, and her first objective is to get back out on the pitch with Juventus and to play in the Champions League again. She also reflected on some of her standout memories with the Bianconere so far.
"The first Serie A win with Juventus was the biggest emotion I've experienced with this club," Rosucci said. "It was against Brescia, we won as a new team. It's a really tough way to win or lose a game, but it makes you explode with joy when you win."
Inclusivity, support, and goals for the future of Italian women's football
While the medium-term goal is to return to the pitch, Rosucci's broader goals as a player concern women's football as a whole. She gave her thoughts about what needs to change to create a more inclusive and supporting environment for women and girls in the sport.
"The mindset has to improve. Of course the skills are important, but we also have to really believe that we can reach the very highest level. If you don't believe in something, you can't work every day to make it happen. I always think that, as a coach, I'd like to achieve everything I haven't been able to achieve as a player. It's a constant thought in my mind, and it's something that gives me a lot of strength in tough times as well."
Rosucci's message to young girls wanting to become professionals: "Make the love you have for the sport count every day"
Determination, resilience and continuous self-improvement are the buzzwords by which Rosucci describes her own personal growth as a player. Of course, there are things that cannot be planned for in football.
"This profession exposes us to risks. It's like trying to dribble through midfield - sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don't, but it's a path you have to take if you want to achieve something big."
To wrap up, Rosucci sent a message to all young girls dreaming of making it as a professional footballer.
"You have to learn how to pick yourself up, because this is life and you have to make your love for this sport count. Find that love every day. I would tell any young girl playing football to feel that love for the sport every single day."
It is possible to achieve your dream, you just have to really believe in it.
Rosucci wears the new Adidas Copas, available on Adidas online stores and from selected retailers.
