Football fans worldwide are suddenly paying close attention to Italy's lower divisions, thanks to a surprising star on the sidelines.
The spotlight has turned to Giuliana Vigile, a 23-year-old assistant referee who officiates matches in Italy's Serie D (fourth tier) and Eccellenza (fifth tier) leagues.
While making calls on the touchline, Giuliana has also built a significant social media following, with over 102,000 Instagram followers captivated by her posts from both the pitch and her personal life.
Hailing from Cesena, she has reportedly earned high marks from refereeing supervisors at the Italian Referees' Association (AIA) throughout her three-year career, with Gazzetta dello Sport noting her consistently strong performance assessments.
Her profile extends beyond football. A graduate in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Bologna, Giuliana also navigates the worlds of modeling and social media influencing.
Her Instagram feed offers a glimpse into a dynamic lifestyle, featuring travel, fashion, and moments away from the field, which contrasts with her disciplined role during matches.
Interestingly, her popularity has had a tangible effect, with reports suggesting her involvement in games has actually helped boost matchday attendance.
With the motto "Pressure is a privilege" in her social media bio, Giuliana Vigile continues to rise. If her trajectory continues, fans may one day see her officiating at the very top level in Serie A.