Euro 2025: Massimo Lorenzi relays sexist remark – F. Scola defends the team

During the Women's Euro 2025, which is currently underway, a tweet published by Swiss journalist Laurent Favre has sparked a wave of reactions, both critical and challenging. He posted the following comment during the broadcast of the Italy-Norway match:

"A great Italian team, who only need a Pipo/Toto/Paolo in front of goal to bring the Norwegians to heel."

#weuros2025

In a light-hearted tone, the sentence implies that the Italian women's team, despite being competent and talented, needs... a man to capitalize on its chances in front of goal. References to male icons like Pipo Inzaghi, Totò Schillaci, and Paolo Rossi—all legendary strikers in Italian football—reinforce this implication.

Outdated humor, or ordinary sexism?

While the journalist probably denies having wanted to "make a joke," this kind of remark is part of what many sportswomen have long denounced: everyday sexism in the world of sport, and particularly in women's football.

The message conveyed, even unintentionally, is clear: a women's team would not be fully complete without the presence or role model of a man. Worse, it could not be competitive or effective without this "masculine touch." In short, it is a denial of the players' performances, their skills, their professional training, and their high-level efforts.

Fred Scola, an intelligent counterexample

Faced with this tweet, the response could have swung into indifference or, on the contrary, into controversy. But Fred Scola, the main commentator of Euro 2025 for RTS, was able to react intelligently and subtly. During the live broadcast, without playing along with his colleague, he brushed the remark aside.

Rather than dwelling on the men's team, Scola highlighted the true attacking qualities of the women's Squadra Azzurra, citing Cristiana Girelli in particular. An experienced player, she quickly silenced the critics by scoring Italy's first goal of the match a few minutes later (and the winning goal in the 90th minute to qualify Italy for the semi-finals). A perfect response, both on the pitch and in the commentary booth.

Why is it important to denounce this kind of talk?

Many might think, “It’s just a joke, why make such a big deal out of it?” It’s precisely this kind of trivialization that perpetuates a climate of permanent devaluation of women’s sport. It’s not so much the joke itself that’s disturbing, but the implicit message it conveys.

In a context where female players already have to fight for equal pay, media recognition and respect for their professionalism, every comment that minimizes their place or their performance fuels a latent sexist system.

Moreover, in an ultra-connected world, words have an impact. A tweet posted live during a European competition is seen, shared, and commented on. It becomes a cultural signal, a potential reference. And in this case, an example of what to avoid.

A necessary awareness

Women's football is making great strides. In Switzerland, the number of female players has increased significantly in recent years. Clubs are investing more and more, and young girls are identifying with role models like Alayah Pilgrim. Iman Beney or the promising Sydney Schertenleib. They don't need to be reminded, even indirectly, that they "miss a man" to succeed.

What they need is support, visibility, and above all, respect.

It is therefore essential to salute media professionals like Fred Scola, who take their role seriously and who participate in elevating the debate, rather than recycling clichés from another era.

Conclusion

This latest episode reminds us that the path to equality in sport also involves language. Women's football doesn't need masculine references to exist. It is autonomous, rich, spectacular, and, above all, driven by talented athletes.

Laurent Favre, as a journalist, missed an opportunity to highlight what he saw. Fortunately, others like Fred Scola show that women's sports can be commented on with enthusiasm, precision... and respect.