Everything is getting ready for the friendly match this Saturday between the Peruvian National Team and their German counterpart, where Juan Reynoso will have a tough test in preparation for the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Just hours before the match at the Mewa Arena, it was confirmed that María Sole Ferrieri will be the referee, a historic moment for the 'Blanquirroja': it will be the first time a woman has officiated one of their matches.
The 32-year-old Italian referee is recognized in her country for becoming the first woman to officiate a Serie A match in October 2022. This happened in the eighth round of the current season, in Sassuolo's 5-0 victory over Salernitana, and marked an important milestone in Europe as she is only the third woman to referee in a top league on the Old Continent, following German Bibiana Steinhaus - who made her debut in 2017 - and Frenchwoman Stéphanie Frappart - who started in 2019.
Since then, Ferrieri has gained more experience in Italian football, refereeing matches in the domestic league and the Coppa Italia. In addition to her refereeing career, she has a degree in Sociology and Social Research. "I've had a bit more tension, but then, when I get on the field, I do my job as always. It's good to talk about it, it can lead other women to follow my path," she said during her debut a few months ago.
In comparison to the Peruvian National Team, Germany has already had matches where a woman has refereed. Thus, as has been happening in European territory for several years now, UEFA continues to include female referees in matches of this caliber. Recently, at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Stéphanie Frappart, along with Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Díaz Medina, refereed the match between Costa Rica and the 'Panzers' in the group stage.
Juan Reynoso prepares his starting eleven to face Germany
Juan Reynoso has always been characterized as a very meticulous coach who leaves nothing to chance. Therefore, after training with the full squad of the Peruvian National Team throughout this week, he has almost finalized the lineup for the friendly match against Germany on Saturday. The 'Ajedrecista' knows it will be a tough match and that his pieces will have to move together to stop the 'Panzers'.
In this way, the 'Bicolor' would take the field at the Mewa Arena with the following lineup in a 5-3-2 formation: Pedro Gallese in goal; Carlos Zambrano, Miguel Araujo, and Ánderson Santamaría in central defense; Luis Advíncula and Marcos López as wing-backs; Renato Tapia, Pedro Aquino, and Christofer Gonzales in midfield; André Carrillo and Raúl Ruidíaz up front - in case Gianluca Lapadula fails to recover from the ankle discomfort.
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