A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
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‘We just want what we deserve,’ says Italy’s Barbara Bonansea
Barbara Bonansea (11)
From Barry McGuigan and Carl Frampton to Tyrone McKenna and Lewis Crocker, the city’s fighters carry a complex history into the ring, writes JOHN WIGHT
ITALY’S surprise run to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup this year went a long way towards changing misconceptions about the women’s game in a country where the most popular sport is dominated by men.
Out of a population of 60 million, more than 20 million spectators watched Italy’s five matches on RAI state TV, setting audience records for women’s football game after game.
Nearly all of the big men’s clubs — Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma — have recently developed teams to play in the growing Serie A women’s league — with games shown live on Sky Italia every weekend.
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