Melissa Andreatta, assistant coach of Australia’s Matildas, has been announced as Scotland Women’s new head coach.
Andreatta is the permanent replacement for Pedro Martinez Losa, who was sacked in December after failing to qualify for Euro 2025.
The former Australian A-League coach is expected to take over in time for Scotland’s Nations League match against Austria at the end of May.
The 46-year-old has an extensive CV within the women’s game and supported Tony Gustavsson during Australia’s fourth-placed finish at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and last year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Pedro Martinez Losa was sacked in December as Scotland missed out on Euro 2025 qualification
Andreatta said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be leading Scotland Women’s National Team into a new, exciting era.
“It’s a real honour to join such a strong programme, which you can see from the talent in the senior squad, which runs through all of the age groups. This is testament to the work that’s been done already by Michael McArdle and the team.
“The future is definitely bright and with my extensive coaching, talent development and major tournament experience, my aim is to support the players and staff to reach their fullest potential.
“The ambition is to get Scotland back to consistent qualification and with the squad in a period of transition, this is the perfect opportunity to start building towards that future.”
Scotland Women last reached a major tournament when Shelley Kerr’s side featured at the 2019 World Cup in France. It was a second successive finals appearance.
Martinez Losa was appointed after Kerr’s team missed out on the next European Championships, with the Spaniard also losing a World Cup play-off against Republic of Ireland in 2022.
Scotland then lost to Finland in the play-off for the 2025 tournament, with the team falling short in their quest to qualify for the 2023 World Cup too.
Scotland’s last match under McArdle was a 6-1 defeat away to Germany
Michael McArdle – who had been working closely alongside Martinez Losa in his role as the head of women’s elite Football – was in temporary charge of the team.
It is understood McArdle was keen on the job but after four defeats in his four games as interim head coach, he returns to his previous role.
Michael McArdle was in interim charge but lost all four Nations League matches
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA CEO added: “Firstly, I would like to thank Michael for his professionalism throughout this process and for stepping-up and taking charge of the national team on an interim basis following Pedro’s departure.
“That the final shortlist comprised candidates from three different continents shows the wide appeal of leading the Scotland Women’s National Team. Melissa provided a breadth of different experiences at all levels of the women’s game in Australia. She is a valued member of the Matildas’ coaching staff but also has responsibility for developing elite youth players within a respected performance system.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of the players when I say we are all looking forward to Melissa starting her new role. I also reiterate my thanks to Michael, who will have a pivotal part to play in helping Melissa and the women’s national teams succeed in the future.”
Scotland Women’s Nations League fixtures
- May 30: Austria (H) – TBC
- June 3: Netherlands (A) – TBC
