Elisa Bartoli: The story behind my captain's armband

Bartoli, Rome-born and a Roma fan, had played every single minute of every single game prior to Wednesday’s Coppa Italia victory over Roma CF.

On February 9 against Florentia she unveiled the new armband for the first time, and has worn it in every subsequent appearance.

Here’s what she had to say about the armband:

“The idea for the armband came about at the AS Roma Store on Via del Corso, on a normal afternoon walk around the city. I was in there and saw a hoodie with the Lupetto on it – and it took me back to my childhood. One of the first Roma shirts I ever had had the Lupetto on it, and I always really loved it.

“I thought that I would really love to put the Lupetto on my captain’s armband, to make it even more beautiful. I’ve always loved the design, for me it represents strength and power.

“The phrase from ‘Gladiator’ (‘Strength and honour, the rest is just dust and air’) is one I have always carried with me during my career, especially during the many years I spent away from Rome. It’s a phrase that has always given me courage, made me ready to fight for the cause, helped me to give everything I have.

"I have always tried to put that spirit into every game I have played and everything I have done in my life, and tried to transmit that same spirit to my teammates too.”

“At the side is written ‘Cocco’. There’s not much to explain there; he’s my dog, my best friend.”

Bartoli is currently away with the Italian national team, as they continue their preparations for this summer’s Women’s World Cup in France.

She recently surpassed 50 caps for the Azzurre.