When Italy secured their spot at Euro 2025, the celebration was unforgettable. Andrea Soncin, the man steering the ship, slid across the rain-soaked pitch on his belly, his pristine white shirt now a canvas of joy. His players watched, laughing, a moment of pure elation that captured the spirit of a team reborn. For Soncin, a former Serie A striker, this is more than just a coaching job; it’s a mission.
What makes Soncin unique among the coaches at this summer’s women’s football spectacle in Switzerland? He is one of the few who has experienced the intensity of elite men’s football firsthand. Remember that goal against AC Milan in 2006? The one against a team featuring Maldini, Pirlo, and Kaká? That was him.
Andrea Soncin in action during his playing days with Atalanta – a testament to his experience at the highest level.
But Soncin’s journey isn’t just defined by that one strike. “I am very proud to have scored from the fifth league to the top division,” he reflects. His career spanned historic clubs like Fiorentina and Ascoli, enriching his understanding of the game from the grassroots up.
From the Pitch to the Dugout: Soncin’s Unconventional Rise
When the Italian Football Federation appointed Soncin to lead the women’s national team in 2023, some questioned the decision. How could a man with no prior direct involvement in the women’s game succeed? The answer lies not in his resume, but in his mind.
“Already in the final years of my playing career, I had started to think about coaching—studying choices, understanding how to manage a group,” Soncin explains. His journey began at Venezia, where he cut his teeth in the youth sector before gradually ascending to the first team. But the real masterpiece was yet to come.
His UEFA Pro Licence thesis, completed at Italy’s famed Coverciano coaching school in 2021, is regarded as one of the most insightful documents ever produced there. Titled Strategies for Unlocking a Low Defensive Block, the 48-page work analyzed everything from Mohamed Salah’s movement to Belgium’s tactical setup at the 2018 World Cup.
The Soncin Philosophy: Tactical Fluidity and Relational Play
Soncin’s Italy is not a team stuck in one formation. He is a pragmatist, a thinker who adapts to the opponent. For the must-win qualifier against Finland, he switched to a 3-5-2 system, resulting in a commanding 4-0 victory. Against the Netherlands, he opted for a back four. This flexibility is his greatest strength.
“Spaces become tight against deep defenses,” Soncin notes. “The quality of passes, movements, and dribbling becomes essential.” But for him, tactics are only part of the equation. “Before the athlete, the person comes first. Each of us is unique.”
His coaching philosophy emphasizes “relational distances”—maintaining compactness to facilitate quick ball recovery and sustained possession. He encourages his players to take risks. “Mistakes are fundamental to increasing the confidence and awareness of the entire group.”
Italy’s Euro 2025 Prospects: A Dark Horse in the Making?
Italy finds itself in a challenging Group C, alongside favorites Spain, as well as Portugal and Belgium. The road won’t be easy, but with Soncin at the helm, they are anything but predictable.
Veteran striker Cristiana Girelli, 35, remains a pivotal figure, bringing experience and goal-scoring instinct to the side. But it’s the team’s collective determination that Soncin believes will make the difference. “Their willingness and determination can propel us forward,” he says with conviction.
Expert analysts at Jaya9 have noted that Soncin’s approach mirrors that of top men’s coaches like Carlo Ancelotti—adaptable, person-centric, and tactically innovative. As one insider remarked, “Soncin isn’t just teaching football; he’s building a culture.”
Conclusion: Italy’s New Era Under Andrea Soncin
Italy’s Euro 2025 Hopes Soar Under the Tactical Brilliance of Andrea Soncin. From his days as a Serie A goal-scorer to his current role as a visionary coach, Soncin represents a new era for Italian football—one defined by flexibility, intelligence, and sheer passion.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Switzerland. Will Soncin’s tactical innovations be enough to overcome powerhouse teams like Spain? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Italy will be prepared, and they will fight until the final whistle.
What are your thoughts on Italy’s chances at Euro 2025? Can Soncin’s men defy the odds? Share your opinions with the Jaya9 community and stay tuned for more in-depth coverage as the tournament unfolds.
