London City Lionesses have significantly reinforced their defensive lineup with the acquisition of Italian international Elena Linari. The experienced center-back joins the Lionesses from AS Roma, bringing a wealth of Serie A and international experience to the Women's Super League side.
Linari's move marks a significant step for London City as they prepare for a competitive season. The Lionesses, eager to establish themselves, are adding a player who has consistently performed at the highest levels in Italy.
During her four seasons with Roma, Linari made 77 appearances, scoring seven goals. Before her time in Rome, she showcased her talents with Brescia and Fiorentina, accumulating an impressive five Serie A titles and six Coppa Italia victories. Her leadership and defensive skills have been crucial to her teams' success.
On the international stage, Linari has been a stalwart for Italy, earning 115 caps. She played a vital role in Italy's Euro 2025 campaign, helping them reach the semi-finals. Notably, she holds the record for the most major tournament appearances for Italy, with 19 caps across World Cups and Euros. Her stellar performances in Switzerland earned her a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament, the sole Italian player to receive this honor.
Expressing her excitement, Linari stated, "Everything is so amazing here, everyone is so welcoming, and everything is so professional. I'm very happy to be here at another great club. I was pushing hard to have this chance, and I'm so happy that London City gave me this opportunity."
