Bay FC has a serious problem. They finished second-to-last in the NWSL last season with just 26 goals—the lowest in the entire league. That's a nightmare for any team with playoff ambitions.
But guess what? They might have just found the perfect solution. Bay FC is bringing in Cristiana Girelli, Italy's all-time leading goal scorer, on loan from Juventus through August 2026. This is the kind of signing that could completely change their fortunes.
Girelli isn't just any striker. She's the Serie A Women's top scorer from 2024-25 and was even nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year. With 120 caps and 61 goals for Italy, plus 250 goals across her club career, she knows how to find the back of the net. That's exactly what Bay FC desperately needs.
"The NWSL for me has always been a league that I believe is one of the best in the world, maybe the best," Girelli told Sports Illustrated. She's excited about the competitiveness and the incredible atmosphere at American stadiums.
A Tough Goodbye to Juventus
Leaving Juventus wasn't easy for the 35-year-old. She spent eight years with the club, winning six Serie A titles and becoming a true legend. Fans were shocked when the news broke, and Girelli admits it was the hardest part of her decision.
"It's as if I'm leaving the love of a lifetime," she said. But at 35, she knows her playing career won't last forever. She wanted to test herself in a different league before it's too late.
This is a pure loan deal, so Girelli isn't burning bridges. She's looking for a new challenge and a fresh spark for her career while she can still perform at the highest level.
Part of an Italian Wave to the NWSL
Girelli is actually the fourth Italian player to join the NWSL from Serie A since last July. Sofia Cantore, Lisa Boattin, and Lucia Di Guglielmo all made the jump before her. They've all told her the same thing: she's going to love it here.
This movement of Italian talent to America started after Italy's impressive run to the semi-finals at the UEFA Women's Euros. That tournament put Italian women's football on the global map, and now top leagues are paying attention.
For bettors keeping an eye on Bay FC's season, Girelli's arrival could be a game-changer. A team that scored only 26 goals last season suddenly has one of Europe's most proven goal scorers. Their odds for playoff qualification should improve significantly, especially if Girelli can stay healthy and adapt quickly to the NWSL's physical style.
Bay FC opens their season on March 14 at home against expansion side Denver Summit FC. Girelli will join the team after Italy's World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Denmark in early March. That gives her just days to settle in before the season kicks off.
"I really can't wait to join Bay, get to know my future teammates, and learn a new style of play," Girelli said. She's promised to give 100% every day for her new club. With her track record, that promise means a whole lot of goals.
