Pamela Conti Poised to Take Charge of India U-17 Women’s Team Ahead of AFC Asian Cup: Report

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is on the verge of appointing former Italian midfielder Pamela Conti as the head coach of the Indian U-17 women's football team, with the AFC U-17 Women's Asian

Cup looming on the horizon.

Conti - Italy's 2004 Player of the Year - has emerged as the federation's leading candidate to take charge of the youth side, according to a Times of India report.

This season marks a historic breakthrough for Indian women's football, as three national teams have earned spots in continental competitions, elevating the sport's profile across the country. With FIFA World Cup qualification at stake in these tournaments, the AIFF appears determined to back strong coaching appointments to help its teams compete effectively on the bigger stage.

"We have agreed terms with Conti and should be able to sign the contract in the next couple of days. Women's football is at a crucial stage and a good performance at the Asian level can spur the sport to greater heights in India," a senior AIFF official told The Times of India.

Conti is currently favoured over other candidates, including a Swedish coach who has previously worked with national teams in Sweden and Brazil. But it is her track record with Venezuela's women's national setup that has impressed the AIFF most. The Italian coach led Venezuela's women to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in 2024, showcasing her ability to develop young talent and compete on the international stage.

"Conti has great coaching experience, having been with the Atletico Madrid U17 team and then the Venezuela women's national team, who are ranked in the 40s in FIFA rankings for the past five years," another federation official said, highlighting her wealth of experience.

Venezuela currently sits 42nd in the FIFA women's world rankings, just ahead of Costa Rica at 43rd.

The AIFF plans to secure Conti's services on a contract running through the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup 2026 in May. If finalized, her appointment could provide a timely boost for India's U-17 women as they prepare to challenge Asia's best and continue the nation's upward momentum in women's football.