The disparity between men's and
women's soccer is irrational, President Sergio Mattarella told
the women's soccer team after it returned from the Women's World
Cup after being beaten by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
"You did not win the World Cup, but you won your World Cup
here," he told them at the presidential Quirinal Palace.
"You won over public opinion and shone a spotlight on your
sport in a way that will be irrevocable.
"It's not up to me to establish the forms in which soccer is
expressed but I can't refrain from underlining that it the
different condition between men's and women's soccer is wholly
irrational and unacceptable".
Mattarella was referring to the lack of a professional
women's game in Italy, unlike many other countries.
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