Inter Milan women’s team atop Serie B

In their first nine matches, the Inter Milan women’s football team has cruised to nine straight wins, leaving them tops of Serie B to close out 2018.

Most recently, the Nerazzurre pasted Lazio, 3-0 over the weekend thanks to a brace from Gloria Marinelli and a late goal from Fabiana Costi to roll past Lazio in Milan.

But, the more impressive thing is that a new team — Inter started a women’s team this season in response to a ruling by FIGC, but we will get more into that in a bit — can roll undefeated in its first nine matches.

Oh, did I mention that in the first nine matches, Inter has given up just one goal … yup … just one, while scoring 30?

I don’t care what league you are in or whether you are playing in a man’s division or a women’s division, that is impressive.

The next closest team in Serie B is Ravenna who is on 21 points — six back of the Nerazzurre. Inter will travel to take on Ravenna in the next round on Jan. 6.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

How they started

Back in October, ASD Femminile Inter Milano was officially created following approval of the name and club league status by FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

Now, Inter has had a women’s club team for a few years. In fact, the club team played in the top flight before being relegated to Serie B, where it currently plays.

“This is a vital step for the club and one that strengthens an increasingly complete sporting area which has clear plans and a concrete vision for the future,” said then-Inter CEO Alessandro Antonello, at the time of the FIGC approval. “The goal is to develop a link between the various youth categories and the new first team and Primavera squads, so that we are able to aim for the highest sporting objectives in the near future, as the prestige of the Inter brand demands.”

Players from the club as well as new additions were rolled into the new team following the approval by FIGC.

How it works

There are 12 teams in Serie A and 12 in Serie B. The top two teams from Serie B earn automatic promotion to Serie A at the conclusion of the season.

The bottom two teams in Serie B are automatically relegated while the ninth- and 10^th-place teams enter into a relegation playoff. The winner of the playoff stays while the loser drops down.

Arezzo and Roma XIV are at the bottom of the table while Castelvecchio and Genoa are battling in ninth and 10^th place, respectively.

In Serie A, the bottom two teams are automatically relegated while the top two teams are entered into the UEFA Champions League — similar to the men’s league with fewer teams. Currently Juventus and AC Milan women sit atop Serie A while Bari and Orobica are at the bottom of the table.

Courtesy of Inter.it

What have they done this season?

The Inter women started the season with a 6-0 thrashing of Roma XIV, then followed that up with a 2-0 win over Empoli in Week 2.

In week 3, Inter knocked off Lady Granata Cittadella, 2-0 and, in week 4, they defeated Genoa, 6-0.

They have followed that up with wins over Castelvecchio (3-0), Arrezzo (3-0), Milan Ladies (2-0), Roma CF (3-1) and the latest win over Lazio.

Courtesy of Inter.it

Who is on the team?

In front of the net is Italian international Katja Schroffenegger, who has notched eight clean sheets in front of goal for Inter Milan. She is backed up by Alessia Capelletti.

In defense, they have Elena Crespi, Roberta D’Adda, Angela Locatelli, Laura Hoods, Wilhlmina Pellens, Beatrice Merlo, Marta Vergani and Benedetta Maroni

In midfield, Inter has Silvia Pisano, Fabiana Costi, Martina Brustia, Alice Regazzoli, Marta Pandini, Irene Saints and Nicole Costa

Up front, the Nerazzurre have Regina Baresi, Gloria Marinelli, Alessia Rognini and Elisa Carravetta.

They are coached by Sebastian De La Fuente.

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