A week after Italy elected its first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, a woman will referee a Serie A match for the first time.
Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi will become the first woman to take charge of a Serie A match on Sunday: Sassuolo versus Salernitana.
The 32-year-old was promoted to the Italian league's refereeing pool for this season.
Last year she became the first female to referee a match involving a Serie A team, in Cagliari's Italian Cup match against Cittadella. She disallowed three goals during that game.
"It's not an ordinary day, and I'm also moved by it," said Alfredo Trentalange, president of the referees' governing body in Italy.
"Maria Sole will debut in Serie A on merit, without any shortcuts, for her ability and skills.
"We're about to experience a historic moment after more than 110 years. We thank those who believed in her. We're not granting any privileges, Maria Sole earned this step."
Ferrieri Caputi started refereeing seven years ago and was promoted to the third tier Serie C five years later.
She also refereed a Serie B match last year; a few months after Maria Marotta became the first female to officiate a second division match in Italy.
- With AAP.
