Alessandro Spugna to become new Roma Women head coach

Spugna, 47, joins the Giallorosse from fellow Serie A side Empoli Ladies.

He has agreed a contract with the club that runs until 30 June 2022.

“We chose Alessandro for his values as both a coach and a person, and we are confident that he is the right individual to begin a new chapter for the club,” said Betty Bavagnoli, the outgoing coach who has recently agreed to become the Head of Women’s Football.

“Alessandro is a young coach but he has already acquired a lot of experience: his ambition will be crucial as we continue to develop and improve, both as a team and as a club.”

Born in Torino in 1973, Spugna began his coaching career with the Juventus academy setup.

He would progress through the ranks to eventually coach the club’s Primavera Women side for two seasons between 2018 and 2020, before joining Empoli ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Azzurre ultimately finished sixth in the league this season.

Roma, meanwhile, finished fifth in Serie A as they also won the Coppa Italia – the first trophy in the club’s history.

“First and foremost I would like to congratulate Betty, the staff and all the girls for their deserved victory in the Coppa Italia,” Spugna said.

“I would also like to thank AS Roma for the great opportunity they have given me, it’s an honour to be chosen to oversee the continuation of such an important project.

“I am joining a unique, prestigious club with a strong squad of players and incredibly passionate fans – and all in the most beautiful city in the world too. I cannot wait to get started!”