Pipitone announces international retirement

Pipitone announced her decision in an Instagram post, where she revealed that she felt the time had come for another player to have an opportunity to represent the Italian national team.

Pipitone, 34, broke into the international setup in 2017 – making her debut for the Azzurre against Finland during the Cyprus Cup in 2018.

Coach Milena Bertolini continued to call her up as part of her three-person goalkeeping corps, with Pipitone subsequently admitting her World Cup inclusion this summer was a “dream come true”.

Now, however, the goalkeeper has decided the time has come to focus on her club career.

“The time has come to give space to someone who deserves to wear this shirt that has given me so much passion and joy,” Pipitone said.

“I have had the fortune to realise my biggest dream. I have had the fortune to realise it alongside some amazing people. I could not have asked for more.”

In total she made four appearances for her country.

She added: “Thank you to all those who have been and remain part of that fantastic group… thank you for everything.”