Avellino and Juve Stabia are set to clash this Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Stadio Partenio-Lombardi, with a match officiated by Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi. This appointment marks a significant moment as Ferrieri Caputi will lead the Serie B fixture, supported by a full officiating team.
The assignment of Ferrieri Caputi to this match underscores a growing trend of increased representation for female referees in professional Italian football. Her presence on the pitch is a testament to her skill and dedication, and a signal of the evolving landscape within the sport. The match, a key contest in the 2025-2026 Serie B season, will see Ferrieri Caputi managing the game alongside assistant referees Domenico Palermo of Bari and Paolo Bitonti of Bologna. Alberto Ruben Arena from Torre Del Greco will serve as the fourth official, while Alessandro Prontera of Bologna will oversee VAR, with Stefano Del Giovane of Albano Laziale as the AVAR.
Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi: A Rising Star in Italian Football
Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi, born in Livorno on November 20, 1990, has rapidly ascended through the ranks of Italian football officiating. According to her Wikipedia profile, she began her journey with the AIA (Associazione Italiana Arbitri) in 2007, progressing through provincial and regional leagues before being appointed to the CAN D in 2015, marking her debut in Serie D. Her career trajectory has been consistently upward, culminating in her appointment to Serie A and B, and international recognition.
Ferrieri Caputi’s achievements extend beyond domestic leagues. She became an international referee in 2019, making her debut on the European stage on August 30, 2019, in a match between Scotland and Cyprus, a qualifier for the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Championship. This appointment demonstrated her capabilities on a broader stage and paved the way for further international assignments. Notably, in 2025, she was recognized by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) as the world’s best female referee, a prestigious accolade acknowledging her exceptional performance and contribution to the sport.
The Officiating Team for Avellino-Juve Stabia
The complete officiating team for the Avellino-Juve Stabia match is as follows:
- Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (Livorno)
- Assistant Referee 1: Domenico Palermo (Bari)
- Assistant Referee 2: Paolo Bitonti (Bologna)
- Fourth Official: Alberto Ruben Arena (Torre Del Greco)
- VAR: Alessandro Prontera (Bologna)
- AVAR: Stefano Del Giovane (Albano Laziale)
This team represents a blend of experience and emerging talent within Italian refereeing circles. The presence of Prontera at VAR provides an additional layer of scrutiny and support for Ferrieri Caputi’s decisions throughout the match. The selection of these officials underscores the AIA’s commitment to ensuring fair and accurate officiating in Serie B.
Avellino and Juve Stabia: Current Form and Season Outlook
Both Avellino and Juve Stabia are competing in the Serie BKT 2025-2026 season, vying for promotion to Serie A. As of February 26, 2026, the league standings are crucial for both teams, with every point vital in their pursuit of a top-tier finish. The match represents a significant opportunity for both sides to improve their position in the league table and strengthen their playoff aspirations.
Juve Stabia, based in Castellammare di Stabia, has a rich history in Italian football, having experienced periods in both Serie B and Serie C. Avellino, representing the city of Avellino, also boasts a strong footballing tradition and a passionate fanbase. The derby-like atmosphere expected at the Stadio Partenio-Lombardi will undoubtedly add to the intensity of the match, placing additional responsibility on Ferrieri Caputi and her team to maintain control and ensure a fair contest.
Ferrieri Caputi’s Broader Impact on Women in Football
Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi’s success extends beyond her individual achievements; she serves as an inspiration for aspiring female referees and a symbol of progress for women in football. Her recognition as the world’s best female referee by the IFFHS in 2025 is a landmark moment, highlighting the growing talent and capabilities of women in the sport. As reported by Ottopagine, this appointment for the Avellino-Juve Stabia match continues to showcase her rising profile and the increasing trust placed in her abilities by Italian football authorities.
Her career path, which includes a strong academic background – a degree in political science from Pisa and a master’s in sociology from Florence – demonstrates that success in football officiating can coexist with intellectual pursuits. She currently works as a researcher at ADAPT, an association focused on labor law and industrial relations, and holds a doctorate in workforce development from the University of Bergamo. This multifaceted background adds another dimension to her profile and underscores her commitment to both professional and academic excellence.
The upcoming match between Avellino and Juve Stabia is not just a sporting event; it’s a showcase of talent, a testament to progress, and a symbol of the evolving landscape of Italian football. With Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi at the helm, the game promises to be a compelling contest officiated with skill and integrity. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely, not only for the outcome of the match but also for the continued success of a remarkable referee.
The next step for both Avellino and Juve Stabia will be their subsequent Serie B fixtures, with schedules to be announced in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to follow their respective clubs’ official websites and social media channels for the latest updates and information. We invite you to share your thoughts on this upcoming match and the role of female referees in modern football in the comments below.