Rossella Sardu on Playing with Purpose

At the end of what has been an ambition-defining season for the Como 1907 Women’s team, BLU caught up with their captain Rossella Sardu to talk about leadership, legacy, and the evolution of women’s football in Italy.

For Rossella Sardu, football was never just a game—it was a way of life. The daughter of a football enthusiast, she grew up on the sidelines, watching her father play and train with unwavering admiration. “Playing football was always natural for me,” she recalls. “I played constantly, at all hours. It was my father’s passion, and I would go watch all his matches and training sessions.”

That early love for the game would grow into a serious calling. At 14, Sardu took her first official step into football with a trial for Torres, a club that would become her launchpad. “I only ever wanted to become a footballer,” she says. “So around age 14, my parents took me to try out for Torres, which was my first team!”

It was the start of a career that would span nearly two decades and take her across the Italian football landscape. Sardu went on to play for Roma CF, Orlandia97, Chiasiellis, Tavagnacco, Valpolicella, ChievoVerona Valpo, and Hellas Verona—gaining not just experience but a reputation as a steady midfield force and respected leader. During her time at Torres, she celebrated important victories including the Coppa Italia in 2007–08 and the Italy Women’s Cup in 2008.

In 2024, she joined Como 1907 Women’s team—a team on the rise and full of intent. “What convinced me to come here was the professionalism and the importance of the project,” she explains. “I’m happy to be here and to contribute to the growth of the team.”

For Sardu, this season has been about more than match results. It’s been about helping shape a team with real ambition, in a club that’s thinking beyond short-term goals. “My goal is to do my job well, from training to matches,” she says. “Playing in a club like Como, with such an important vision, is a privilege for us players—and for all of women’s football. A well-structured club like this, with such a drive to stand out, benefits the whole movement.”

As someone who has lived through the shift in visibility and investment in the women’s game in Italy, Sardu brings a nuanced perspective. “The movement has grown a lot over the years, even reaching professional status in the top tier,” she acknowledges. “But many aspects still need improvement, especially in the amateur leagues—like facilities and education for those involved—to offer more to future generations.”

Her commitment to progress is matched by her composure. “I feel good in this team,” she says simply. “I’m someone who easily adapts to different playing styles. We’re a group of girls from different backgrounds—we’ve grown a lot since the beginning of the year, and we can still improve a lot more.”

Away from football, Sardu leads a calm, grounded life. “My days are quite calm. I spend a lot of time with my dog and on daily routines, but whenever I can, I love visiting and discovering new places,” she shares. “I have a passion for sneakers, for Real Madrid, and for tennis.”

And then there’s her number—7. A small but telling detail for a player who’s built her career around intention. “Early in my career, I played as a right winger, and the number 7 traditionally goes to that role. I’ve worn it ever since—it feels like it’s a part of me now.”

For young players dreaming of following in her footsteps, Sardu’s advice is direct and generous. “Always commit, never think you’ve arrived, and have positive role models to inspire you.”

With Sardu at the helm, Como 1907 Women’s project feels both grounded and full of possibility. She may have started her journey on the sidelines, but today, she’s helping lead the next generation to the centre of the pitch.