professional
professionisti
proh-fes-syoh-NEE-stah
Invariable for gender in formal Italian, though 'professionista' is used for both men and women.
Ha trasformato il suo hobby in una carriera da professionista.
She turned her hobby into a career as a professional.
I campionati sono aperti sia ad amatori che a professionisti.
The championships are open to both amateurs and professionals.