Washington Spirit sign first Italian player in NWSL history

The Washington Spirit made history on Tuesday by signing Juventus forward Sofia Cantore, the first Italian player in NWSL history.

Spirit officials said the soccer club would send an undisclosed transfer fee to Juventus to complete the deal.

The 25-year-old has played professionally in Italy for 10 years, recording 13 goals and six assists during her final year in Serie A. Cantore won a league title with Juventus last month. Cantore is currently on Italy’s provisional roster for the European Championship. She has made 37 appearances for the national team with five goals.

“Sofia is an important signing for this Spirit team as we continue to build up our roster to compete for trophies,” said Adrian Gonzalez, who will take over as the Spirit’s coach next month for the second half of the season. “Her extensive experience in the Italian leagues and exceptional talent in the attacking third will help add a new layer for the Spirit moving forward.”

The native of northern Italy will be eligible to join the Spirit on July 1, based on FIFA guidelines. Cantore will likely debut with her new club on Aug. 3 after the NWSL’s monthlong break in July. Her contract will keep her with the Spirit through the 2027 season.

“I’m very proud to join this important club and grateful for their trust in my abilities,” Cantore said in a statement. “I’m excited to start this new chapter of my career as the first Italian player in the NWSL and can’t wait to work every day with coach Adrián González and my new teammates.”

Cantore will likely fill a hole in the attacking third, or the field’s section crucial for offensive creativity, vacated by Spirit star Trinity Rodman. The daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman played in just four games this season before leaving to recover from a nagging back injury.

Spirit officials have not said when Rodman could return.

The Spirit, who rank fourth in the league, entertain the San Diego Wave on Sunday in their final match before the July break.

This article is based in part on wire service reports.