In our journey across the Italian peninsula looking for talents and stories of women players who are making their way in the world of calcio, this week we had a chat with Swedish striker Sara Nilsson of Florentia San Gimignano. Sara just started her second season with the Tuscany outfit that play in the Italian Serie A Femminile.
Florentia San Gimignano are one of the most beautiful fairy tales in the Italian sporting environment. The club was born only in 2015 and in the space of just three seasons managed to reach the top-flight as they collected back-to-back promotions from Serie D to Serie A.
We are honored and thrilled that the club and Sara accepted to exchange a few words with us, so that we could learn a bit more about her and her journey as a footballer.
Cult of Calcio: Good afternoon, Sara! First of all, can you tell us more about yourself? Who is Sara Nilsson and what are your career aspirations?
Sara: I am 25-years old and I grew up close to a small town called Varberg in Sweden. I also call Gothenburg my home since I’ve been living there for many years, playing football and studying. As long as I can remember, football has been huge part of my life. As a person, I like to see opportunities and I like challenges. As a player, I want to continue developing and to always feel the love for the game. My goal with my career is to share big moments with great people.
Cult of Calcio: If we say Snisse, what do you answer?
Sara: It makes me think of my old team mates and coaches in Sweden, since they always called me that! Here in Italy they mostly call me “Sa” (the rule here is: the shorter the better)
Cult of Calcio: You started playing football at a very young age. What are the main differences between your early years in football and the present time?
Sara: I would say a lot has changed, but some things remain the same. Being able to say that this is my job is something I could have only dreamed of as a 10-year-old girl. Even though there is a lot more pressure and responsibility involved now, the joy of playing and the eager to win is still the same.
Cult of Calcio: Whilst your natural position is a striker, as a fast right-footed player you’re also able to play as an attacking midfielder or a right-winger. Can you tell us a bit more about your style of play?
Sara: I like to use my speed and I like to run, which is useful at the wing. On the field I enjoy getting the ball into the space and being creative.
Cult of Calcio: Your last season at Kungsbacka DFF was a pretty difficult one as your club ended up being relegated after finishing bottom of the table. What went wrong in your opinion?
Sara: The lack of resources was definitely a big reason, there was never a real opportunity to be professional since almost every player was working or studying full time. I would say there was too much outside the field that took focus from the performance.
Cult of Calcio: From Kungsbacka DFF in Sweden to Florentia San Gimignano in Italy to live the dream – that’s quite a change! What can you tell us about your new environment?
Sara: I am really happy about this change as I was looking for something new and exciting. The unique story of this club really touched me and from day one I felt like home in the club. Living in “Sangi” is something special, since it is a small village where basically everyone knows everyone. Many of the tifosi, both young and old, are people we see every day. I feel really fortunate to be surrounded by players, coaches, and staff who all share the same eager to develop and move forward. We have all moved here from different parts of the world for the purpose of football which is very special.
Cult of Calcio: What are the main differences between Swedish football and the Italian Serie A Femminile?
Sara: For me it is clear that Serie A Femminile is a league that is growing very fast at this moment, whilst for example the Damallsvenskan has been on a high level for a long time but has maybe stagnated a bit lately when it comes to investments from big clubs etc. Game wise, the Italian way of playing is quick and individual technique is valued high. I would say Swedish football is more low-risk oriented and more focused on possession.
Cult of Calcio: On January 19, 2020 you made your debut in the Serie Femminile A in a “derby” against Fiorentina. How would you describe your emotions on that day?
Sara: Everything was just so new and somewhat unreal: Getting used to the game routine, the coach’s talk in the locker room before the game and putting on the shirt with my name on the back. Even though the result was a total disappointment, I won’t forget this feeling I had before the game.
Cult of Calcio: Since the beginning of your adventure with Florentia San Gimignano, you showed your striking potential by scoring three goals in five matches. Then the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily stopped your sporting activities. How did you manage to deal with this whole new situation?
Sara: I spent this period in Sweden, and I was fortunate not to experience a full lock down like many of my team mates did here in Italy. Training during this period was of course challenging (I think my neighbors were tired of my home workouts). However, at the end I could train with a team which I am really grateful for and also the runners coach Carsten at Tanner Speed helped me a lot.
Cult of Calcio: You recently renewed your contract with Florentia San Gimignano. What are your expectations for your future with the team and what can the team achieve this season?
Sara: We have great potential to perform on a high level this year. The quality we have, both on and outside the field is high. We all know we have under-performed in the beginning of this season, and we are all determined and eager to improve and grow together. With this group of people, I feel confident that the results will come.
Cult of Calcio: What does the future hold for women’s football? And how could it receive more exposure in your opinion?
Sara: Every year women’s football is growing and the future looks bright! I am thankful for all the female athletes that have fought for their rights before me. Without them, I could never do what I do today. Still, there is a lot of things that are lagging behind. More exposure is of course important, but in my opinion it is also the quality of the exposure that matters. For example, sometimes I just mute the commentators when watching a game because of their lack of knowledge about the players, teams etc. Moving forward, I think that clubs, organizations, and media have to hire the right people with knowledge and competence in order to raise more interest. I also think using the power and exposure of men’s clubs is a positive thing for women’s football. By doing this, I think people could start to see what we all have in common – the love for the game of football, regardless of who is playing it.