AIFF Targets Italian Veteran Pamela Conti for U-17 Women's Team
The All India Football Federation is moving quickly to secure a top international coach for its youth women's squad. Former Italy striker and Venezuela coach Pamela Conti has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of India's U-17 women's team. The federation wants her to guide the team through the upcoming AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup.
Push for Continental Success
This season marks a significant moment for Indian women's football. For the first time, three women's teams have qualified for continental competitions. With valuable FIFA World Cup spots available, the AIFF is determined to pull out all the stops. They aim to support the U-17 team in reaching the global stage.
A senior AIFF official confirmed the developments on Sunday. "We have agreed terms with Conti and should be able to sign the contract in the next couple of days," the official stated. The official emphasized the critical juncture for women's football in India. A strong performance at the Asian level could propel the sport to new heights across the country.
Conti's Impressive Credentials
The federation considered other candidates, including a Swedish coach with experience in Sweden and Brazil. However, Pamela Conti's recent track record won them over. Her work with the Venezuela women's national team proved particularly compelling.
Under her guidance, Venezuela qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2024. The team managed a draw against South Korea in that tournament. Conti's other achievements with Venezuela are notable:
- A gold medal at the U-20 South American Games.
- Gold at the U-23 Alba Games.
- A silver medal at the Central American Games.
Another official highlighted Conti's extensive coaching background. She previously worked with the Atletico Madrid U-17 team before taking over the Venezuela women's national setup. For the past five years, Venezuela has consistently held a ranking in the forties in the FIFA world rankings. Conti managed the senior, U-20, and U-17 teams there, overseeing the entire football structure. Venezuela women are currently ranked 42nd, just ahead of Costa Rica.
A Decorated Playing Career
Pamela Conti brings a wealth of experience from her own playing days. She enjoyed a 16-year professional career across Italy, Spain, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Conti made her debut for the Italian national team at just 16 years old. She earned 98 caps and scored 42 goals before retiring. Her international career included participation in two European Championships. In 2004, her peers voted her Italy's Player-of-the-Year.
Timeline and Context
The AIFF expects to finalize a contract with Conti that will run until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup in May 2026. This appointment follows another significant hire last week. The federation confirmed Amelia Valverde as the new head coach for the senior women's national team. Valverde guided Costa Rica to two FIFA Women's World Cups in 2015 and 2023.
India's last appearance at the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup was in the inaugural edition back in 2005. The draw for the 10th edition of the tournament is scheduled for February 12. The competition itself will take place in China from April 30 to May 17.
In related news, the newly-appointed senior women's coach, Amelia Valverde, begins her duties in Turkey on Monday. She is joining the squad alongside her support staff from Costa Rica. Goalkeeper's coach Javier Garri and fitness trainer Jose Alberto Salazar will accompany her.
