Pamela Conti is an experienced Italian football coach and former professional player who has recently been appointed as the head coach of the Indian U17 women’s national football team (also known as the Young Tigresses). Her appointment by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) marks a significant step in developing India’s youth women’s football, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.

Born on April 4, 1982, in Palermo, Italy, Pamela Conti is 43 years old and brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to the role.

Playing Career Highlights

Conti enjoyed a distinguished career as a forward/midfielder (primarily striker), representing the Italy women’s national team with 90 caps and 30 goals from 1998 to 2013. She debuted at just 16 in a 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier and featured in the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2005 and 2009.

Her club journey spanned multiple countries:

  • Long spell at Sassari Torres (Italy, 1999–2008): 95 goals in 185 games, winning 2 Serie A titles, multiple Italian Cups and Super Cups.
  • Stints in Spain with Levante UD and RCD Espanyol (winning a Spanish Cup).
  • Russia with Zorky Krasnogorsk (Russian league winner).
  • Brief roles in the US (Buffalo Flash) and Sweden (Eskilstuna United).

She retired in 2014 and later founded a youth football school in Sicily.

Coaching Journey

Conti transitioned to coaching in 2018, starting as U16 coach for Atlético Madrid Femenino in Spain. From 2019 to 2024, she served as head coach of the Venezuela women’s national team and Venezuela U20 women’s team. Key achievements include guiding Venezuela U20 to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and pushing the senior side close to FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in 2022.

In January 2026, the AIFF appointed her as head coach of the India U17 women’s national team. She joined the team’s training camp in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, immediately. Her brother, Vincenzo Conti (a former player and her assistant in Venezuela), joins the staff alongside Indian assistant Nivetha Ramadoss.

Role with Indian U17 Women’s Team

Conti’s first major assignment is the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 in Pokhara, Nepal (January 31 to February 7, 2026), where India fields its U17-eligible squad (players born 2009 or later). This serves as preparation for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 in April, a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Her international pedigree and success in youth development with Venezuela are expected to strengthen India’s pathway from youth to senior levels in women’s football.

Pamela Conti represents a blend of European expertise and global experience, making her a key figure in elevating Indian women’s youth football on the Asian and world stage.