Milena Bertolini

Milena Bertolini (born 24 June 1966) is an Italian former footballer and manager who last coached the Italy women's national team. As the national team coach, she led Italy to qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup following a twenty-year absence.

Playing career Bertolini began her youth career with U.S. Correggese, before moving to Reggiana in 1984. The team won the Serie B title in the 1985–86 season, therefore earning promotion to Serie A. After spells at Modena Euromobil and Prato, she returned to Reggiana in 1990, helping the team to win the Serie A title.

In August 2017, she was appointed as the head coach of the Italy women's national team. In 2019 Women's World Cup qualification, she helped the team to win their qualifying group with only one loss, thus qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. The tournament is Italy's third appearance at the Women's World Cup, and their first qualification after a twenty-year absence. She later led her country to both Euro 2022 and 2023 World Cup; however, Italy was eliminated from the group stages. On 7 August 2023, she announced her resignation from her post at the national team following the World Cup exit.

Controversy Bertolini was involved in a dispute in February 2022 by telling Nicolò Zaniolo to "reeducate" himself after he was sent-off for dissent. She later apologised for her vulgar speech.

Honours

Player Reggiana Serie A: 1990–91 Coppa Italia: 1988–89

Manager Foroni Verona Serie A: 2002–03 Supercoppa Italiana: 2002

Reggiana Coppa Italia: 2009–10

Brescia Serie A: 2013–14, 2015–16 2015–16 Supercoppa Italiana: 2014, 2015, 2016

Individual Panchina d'Oro of Serie A Femminile: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16