GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
As Roma's men continue their international break, the women's team return from theirs, looking to pick up a first home win of the season.
With the season still just two games old, Roma find themselves having won once - in their most recent fixture, against Fiorentina - and lost once (in the opener against Milan). The win in Florence showed that progress is being made by the squad, who had not beaten La Viola in four previous attempts. Now, all eyes will be on Stadio Tre Fontane again as Roma return home. The visitors will be a side who were promoted from Serie B last term, Empoli. Coach Betty Bavagnoli is cautious not to take them too lightly, though, telling the club website: "I have asked my girls not to make the error of underestimating Empoli, because we come up against a team with zero points in the table. That for me is a false table because Empoli is a team that plays well and we will face them with the right attitude to go and impose our game." Early team news indicates that Camelia Ceaser - who saved a penalty on her debut against Fiorentina - will retain her place in goal, with Rosalia Pipitone out injured. Maria Zecca and Heden Corrado are also ruled out, but Manuela Giugliano - who was a doubt after picking up a knock in an Italy game - has been passed fit to make the squad. She is likely to be joined in midfield by Giada Greggi, who made her senior Italy debut during the latest round of international fixtures. Buoyed by that unforgettable experience, the Rome-born teenager will be hoping for a happy homecoming as the team returns to play in front of their home crowd. Saturday's match kicks off at 2pm UK time, and will be shown live via the club's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
0 Comments
Roma Women are looking to make amends for their disappointing start to the season when they take on fellow title challengers Fiorentina on Sunday.
One of the powerhouses of women's football in Italy, Fiorentina began the season with a 4-2 win in their derby with Florentia, while Roma came up short against Milan, losing 3-0. However, there is still plenty of time for Roma to realise their potential, with five new signings having debuted against Milan. Of the quintet, Andrine Hegerberg was arguably the strongest, while Kaja Erzen and Andressa Alves showed promise down the right flank. Fiorentina's squad features three members of Italy's 2019 Women's World Cup squad - striker Ilaria Mauro, midfielder Alice Parisi and defender Alia Guagni, who serves as their captain. The trio have over 130 international caps between them, so there is certainly no dearth of experience among their ranks. It was their new imports who made their mark against Florentia though, with Paloma Lazaro netting a brace and fellow signings Janelle Cordia and Lisa De Vanna completing the scoring. Roma too have their exciting new players, who will take hope from the way Fiorentina allowed their opponents to score two goals to get back into the game last week, despite having held a 3-0 lead up to the hour mark. Milan were too resolute for Roma to stage a comeback in the season opener, but Fiorentina showed an uncharacteristically weak rearguard in their game that day. Runners up in the league last season, Fiorentina have the second leg of their Champions League Round of 32 on Thursday to prepare for, but having lost 4-0 to Arsenal in the first fixture, are unlikely to rest their players in hope of a miracle turnaround - meaning Roma should have a strong side to contend with. The game kicks off at 11:30am UK time on Sunday. Roma Women's second season gets underway on Sunday as AC Milan visit Stadio Tre Fontane.
After finishing fourth in their debut campaign, Roma are looking to close the gap with the sides that finished above them - one of whom was Milan - in order to mount a serious challenge towards the top end of the table. To help with the task, a number of new faces have been brought into the club, with Brazilian forward Andressa Alves, Ada Hegerberg's sister Andrine and Italy star Manuela Giugliano the key arrivals to get fans excited. However, in the most recent pre-season outing, a comeback draw against PSG before a penalty shootout defeat, it was two players from last season who scored the crucial goals - with wingers Annamaria Serturini and Agnese Bonfantini eager to prove they should still be given a starting berth by Betty Bavagnoli. Like Roma, Milan Women have undergone several changes this summer - with Roma's acquisition of midfielder Giugliano a major disappointment for the Rossonere, and goalkeeper Camelia Ceaser also making the same switch. Coach Carolina Morace was replaced by former striker Maurizio Ganz as part of a reshuffle, while experienced forward Daniela Sabatino has left for Sassuolo. However, last year's top scorer and captain Valentina Giacinti remains in the fold, and will be one player Roma's backline must be wary of. That Giallorosse defence has also seen a few changes of personnel over the last few months, with Emma Lipman leaving and Kaja Erzen and Tecla Pettenuzzo being brought in. Bavagnoli has numerous options to pick from, so it may take a few weeks before her best back four is known. One guaranteed starter, though, will be captain Elisa Bartoli, who was an inspiration in her first season for her childhood club and will be accepting no less than the same from herself second time around. While the defence settles in, Roma will be relying on their attacking firepower, with Andressa and fellow new signings Amalie Thestrup and Lindsey Thomas complimenting what was already there with the likes of Serturini and Bonfantini. Making the chances for them, Giugliano will add creativity from midfield, and will be hoping for a positive debut against her former teammates, as Roma look to make a statement of intent with a winning start in front of their home crowd. The game kicks off at 11:30am UK time on Sunday, and will be free to view via the @ASRomaFemminile Twitter account.
Giallorossi Yorkshire's season review concludes with the individual awards for Roma's players.
For the first time, fans had a say in the awards, as the Goal of the Season vote was made open to the public. The vote went right down to the wire, requiring a secondary Twitter poll. Elsewhere, Giallorossi Yorkshire has chosen some familiar awards, such as Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, and to celebrate their inaugural season, there are four accolades for the women's team. Here are the winners in full. Young Player of the Year - Nicolo Zaniolo This one picked itself. Zaniolo took Serie A by storm in his first season in the top flight, finishing with four goals and two assists from 27 league appearances. The midfielder wasn't afraid of a physical battle despite his lack of experience at a senior level, and became one of his team's most important players with a string of impressive performances. Old Player of the Year - Daniele De Rossi It's not just the young players who deserve credit. Without the influence of those nearer the end of their careers, the season could have been even worse. Antonio Mirante made a big contribution in goal, but the award has to go to De Rossi. In his final season with the club, he continued to give everything when he was on the pitch, as Roma won 10 of the 18 Serie A games he played in. Even at 35, his influence was clear to see. Most Improved Player - Federico Fazio Under Eusebio Di Francesco, Fazio showed the worst form of his time at Roma so far. The defender was losing his concentration and struggling with pace. The last part had always been an issue for him, but he had overcome it with his reading of the game. At the start of the season, though, it wasn't happening. Cue Claudio Ranieri's appointment and cue Fazio's improvement. The Argentine was back to his best, making vital blocks and tackles as Roma closed the season on a nine-game unbeaten run. Signing of the Year - Nicolo Zaniolo Once again, Mirante falls just short of claiming an award in his first season with Roma. The goalkeeper is just beaten to it by Zaniolo, due to the lack of expectations that were on the teenager's shoulders when he arrived. Nobody could have foreseen the contributions Zaniolo would make. And at less than €5m, he is looking like one of the shrewdest purchases in recent history. If Roma decide to sell him on in the future, they could make 10 times that. Women's Young Player of the Year - Giada Greggi In Roma Women's first ever season, a number of youngsters were a key part of the formula. One of those who showed maturity beyond her years was 19-year-old Greggi. A dynamic midfielder, Rome-born Greggi inspired her team with her work rate and creativity. No player contributed more assists for Betty Bavagnoli's side over the season. Greggi even established herself as vice-captain despite her young age, and should be a leader for this side for years to come. Women's Most Improved Player - Flaminia Simonetti Greggi's fellow Rome-born midfielder was in and out of the side in the first half of the season, but Simonetti seized her chance when a couple of her teammates were out injured, and became a key part of the starting lineup in the final weeks. She played with a great determination, helping her to score five goals - bettered only by Annamaria Serturini. Women's Goal of the Year - Luisa Pugnali v Orobica Roma Women's debut campaign brought several impressive goals, with the February win over Orobica bringing two on the same day. Bartoli scored with an overhead kick, but just edging it for goal of the year is Pugnali's strike from earlier in the match. The forward dribbled down the wing with intent, sending one opponent falling to the floor. Pugnali then curled the ball way beyond the goalkeeper's despairing reach.
Women's Player of the Year - Elisa Bartoli Fiercely committed and with the ability to match, diehard Romanista Bartoli jumped at the opportunity to play for her beloved club. A clear choice for captain, she led by example throughout, marauding forward from her left-back position. It's never clear how things will gel in a team's first season, but the squad could not have asked for a better leader than Bartoli to guide them through it. Men's Goal of the Year - Stephan El Shaarawy v Inter It was a close-run contest, as Cengiz Under's strike against Frosinone tied with two El Shaarawy goals - one against Sampdoria and one against Inter - in the initial poll. The Italian's strike against Inter just edged it in the second vote, and it was a deserving winner. El Shaarawy waited for his moment before sending the ball flying in. Player of the Year - Stephan El Shaarawy Of course, it was one of many great moments in El Shaarawy's season. The winger finally established himself as a consistent game-changer, often inspiring his side when they were struggling. At 26 years old, he began to show leadership qualities, and his performances on the pitch proved how much he has matured in his three-and-a-half years with Roma. With just one year left on his contract, it's essential that Roma keep hold of him, and that he keeps progressing as he has this year. Congratulations to all the winners! Roma Women have the opportunity to extend their longest winning run to five games when they take on league leaders Juventus on Sunday afternoon.
Betty Bavagnoli's side are going from strength to strength at the minute, and haven't tasted defeat since 1st December. They now have a six-point cushion in fourth place, and can really start to look up in the table as they aim for as high a finish to their debut season as possible. If they are to make it five wins in a row for the first time ever on Sunday, they will need to overcome the side who handed them their biggest defeat yet in the reverse fixture. When the two sides met at Stadio Tre Fontane in October, defending champions Juventus ran out as 4-0 winners, thanks to a hat-trick from former England striker Eni Aluko. Roma have come a long way since then, only suffering one defeat since. Most recently, they beat Roma CF in the first leg of their Coppa Italia quarter-final 6-3, giving them a major advantage in their bid to end their first campaign with a trophy. Roma will have to negotiate tomorrow's fixture without midfielder Claudia Ciccotti, who has sprained the MCL in her right knee. As a result, Manuela Coluccini may retain her place in the side, having scored in the Coppa in midweek. She is likely to be joined by Vanessa Bernauer, who sat out the win over Roma CF, and Giada Greggi, who has been in tremendous form recently. Greggi scored two goals from the bench in the 6-3 win, a reward for her impressive displays in January. Juventus are on a 10-match winning streak, so it won't be easy. However, Roma showed in midweek that they can respond well to going behind, and their positive mentality gives them a good chance of securing a better result than they managed in the reverse fixture. Lipman Exclusive part two: meeting famous faces, targets for the season, and a message for UK fans11/1/2019
Roma Women are gathering momentum in their first season together in Serie A.
With a squad full of talented individuals who are up for the test, Roma are planting the seeds for future success as they aim to make a statement in their debut campaign. They are doing so with a squad of players from a wide range of backgrounds. Alongside several of the homegrown Italians and Romans in the squad, there are a number of international players who have come to Rome to play their part in helping the team achieve their ambitions. One of those is Emma Lipman, the English defender who is proving to be a key component of the lineup. Adapting to a new environment is a challenging process. Taking the decision to move abroad can be difficult for anyone. For Nuneaton-born defender Lipman though, it was an opportunity for development on a personal and professional level. The 29-year-old centre-back arrived in Rome in the summer having gained a year of experience in Italian football with Verona. She seems settled into the Italian culture now, and with only a small proportion of the Roma squad speaking English, it’s been an exciting test for her to get to grips with the Italian language. Communication is no barrier to how well connected Roma’s women’s team is. “In total we have seven internationals who all speak English,” Lipman reveals to Giallorossi Yorkshire. “For sure it helps when you can communicate in the same language and naturally you grow closer. I have done especially with the girls I live with. “However the beauty of this team, even with the non-English-speaking Italians, we have all managed to connect on some level and this has really helped with our team spirit! I like the fact that I have to speak more Italian now and on the pitch it’s all I speak… it’s the only way I’m going to improve and believe me there’s still room for lots of improvement!” Even though few of her teammates share her native language, Lipman is flying the flag for the number of English-speaking Roma fans worldwide, particularly back in the UK. With only John Charles and Ashley Cole having represented Roma before as British players, UK-based fans feel proud to have someone from their country playing for their club. When asked if she was aware of the large amount of Roma fans back home in the UK, Lipman admits: “Not at all. I knew that AS Roma was a big club with a lot of history but I wasn’t aware of how big and varied their fan base was. “At our last home game I was fortunate enough to meet a member from the AS Roma UK fan group. He gave me a scarf and made me an official member. It’s always nice to know that you have that support from back home in addition to around the world too.”
With the women’s team being fully integrated with the men’s team, Lipman has felt part of one united group during her time with the club. It has enabled her to meet several famous faces – including the most-revered Roman of them all…
“The link with the men’s team is strong,” explains the defender. “When media opportunities come up it’s usually a mixture of both the men’s and women’s players so being in that sort of an environment now is becoming part of the job. “Meeting Totti was a real honour! He’s an absolute legend in Rome so I felt very fortunate to be able to meet and speak with him.” Another famous face she has met and taken inspiration from is Mia Hamm, the legend of the women’s game who is now a director at Roma after a distinguished career with the US national team. Two-time World Cup winner Hamm recently paid a visit to the squad, and it was an experience Lipman is unlikely to forget any time soon. “It was really amazing to meet and listen to Mia Hamm. She is someone I’ve admired since I was a young girl. What she achieved along with the rest of the USA team in the 1991 World Cup not just on the pitch but off it too is one of my earliest memories of how powerful women's football and individual players can be. “She had some amazing advice and I was very inspired after listening to her. The main thing I took away is how playing in the here and now can influence what’s to come in your future. Similar to my own beliefs football has the ability to offer you a platform for whatever's next. That excites me a lot.”
Roma have made a lot of progress in their first campaign in Serie A Femminile. Steady improvements in results have seen Betty Bavagnoli’s team rise to a very respectable position in the league, and with nine games left to play, there are plenty of opportunities awaiting for Roma to showcase their abilities against all kinds of opponents.
Despite the good form the team have shown recently, Lipman is reluctant to put a target on Roma’s season. “When you’re a new team I honestly don’t think you can set yourself a target, all you can compare yourself to is the last game. I think it’s important we continue to learn and grow together game by game like we’ve already shown and see where we end up in the league at the end of the season.” It’s a well-reasoned, mature response which shows the kind of leadership qualities Lipman possesses. She knows it’s important for the younger players to be given the right guidance as they progress as footballers, and it’s too soon for over-ambitious targets to be set. However, she does see one opportunity for the squad to challenge themselves and lay down a marker. With Roma looking forward to a two-legged Coppa Italia quarter-final with Roma CF, Lipman is confident her teammates can accomplish something in the competition. “Anything is possible in the cup,” she enthuses. “I’ve mentioned to a few players and staff already how this season has a very close resemblance to my first season at Manchester City. In our first year together we ended up winning the Continental Cup so if we can repeat the same here winning the Coppa Italia then that would be another nice start.” Lipman has accomplished a lot in her career, but it is clear she still has a lot of ambition. Italy has given her a platform to achieve certain dreams in, and there’s one particular goal she has in football that she wants to tick off. And, if the team continue to develop, Roma might give her the chance to fulfil it in coming seasons. “I want to play in the Champions League. I’m not getting any younger and I want to challenge myself against the best teams in Europe along with enjoying all that the competition has to offer. The Italian league is definitely growing in quality and while teams like Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina continue to improve it will make for an interesting battle to gain one of the two spots. “I know that AS Roma have every intention to be part of that battle and have big ambitions for the future, qualifying and playing in the Champions League being one.”
Joining Roma seems to be something that Lipman doesn’t regret. She speaks only positively of her time at the club and is enthusiastic about the culture of the setup. Playing for this team, in this amazing city, has been inspirational for her.
As one of Bavagnoli’s most-used players this season, it’s evident that the club are equally happy to have her among the ranks. She is a valuable member of the team in their process of growth, and when asked about her personal targets for the remainder of the season, she gives a selfless response that speaks volumes of her character. “Right now I’m just so happy to still be developing and enjoying my football. I want to continue being that experienced voice in the back line, giving my all to help grow this young squad on and off the pitch. If I can achieve that, anything else is a bonus.” There's a great deal of talent in this squad, and it's clear to see how lucky Roma are to have a player like Lipman. Her character and playing ability bring an important dimension to the side. She is definitely a team player, the importance of which cannot be understated for a brand new squad. This campaign is all about giving the new side something to build on, and Lipman is one of the many people ensuring the foundations being set are strong. Her relationship with the club is one of mutual benefit, helping Roma to build something special for the future. Long may it continue.
Emma Lipman has never been one to turn down a challenge.
The 29-year-old defender has excelled this year for Roma’s newly-formed women’s team. She is one of a rare group of English players willing to test themselves abroad, and her decision is paying dividends. Former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Lipman first moved to Italy last season, when she played for Verona. She featured in 21 matches as her first year in foreign football ended with a midtable finish. Then, in the summer of 2018, Roma announced their plans to integrate a women’s team. It was something that Lipman wanted to be a part of. “I took the decision after last year’s season ended to take some time away from football travelling,” Lipman tells Giallorossi Yorkshire. “I knew I wanted to stay in Italy and I was looking for a new challenge but I wasn’t quite sure where and how it looked. “I’m fortunate to have a great agent who was busy talking with clubs while I was away relaxing in the sunshine! He contacted me with the news that AS Roma had been in touch with him expressing their interest. I was already aware of the plans they had for the season, affiliating with the men and also the vision they had longer term. The project really excited me and the feeling I got after receiving the phone call confirmed it’s where I wanted to be!” It was an exciting time for the group of players. For the first time in Roma’s history, a women’s team would be officially connected with the men’s team, a valuable part of the club. To guide these players in their debut season, experienced coach Betty Bavagnoli was chosen. She is someone who has had a major positive influence on Lipman’s time at Roma so far. “I remember a few weeks before I flew out to meet the team Betty rang me to introduce herself and express her gratitude for my signing. Straight away this put a picture in my head to how she might work as a coach and to date she hasn’t disappointed. “The biggest difference for me with Betty compared to previous coaches I’ve had is her ability to put the person first, with the intention of developing the player. With such a young squad, for me, this is so important. The football environment she has created along with the rest of the staff is one of the best and most enjoyable I have ever been part of.” After some positive results in pre-season, a real buzz began to grow around the team. There was excitement for the squad to get going in Serie A, to see what they could achieve. With fans taking an interest in the new team, Roma were ready to showcase what they could do in a competitive environment.
However, the Serie A season didn’t get off to an ideal start. Roma went 2-0 down in the opening 25 minutes of their season opener against Sassuolo, and despite a spirited effort, they couldn’t recover, eventually losing 3-2. Another defeat, to Lipman’s former side Verona, followed, before reigning champions Juventus inflicted a 4-0 loss on Roma in the Giallorosse’s first home game.
Despite the negative results at the start of the campaign, Lipman insists the squad were never hitting the panic button. “Yeah of course the start was difficult,” she admits. “You have to be realistic, building a new team takes time. We were all very aware of that but I think we’d had such a good pre-season together that maybe our optimism had rightly grown. Then you play three games with three losses, for sure doubts start to creep in. That said, upon reflection I think it was important as a group we experienced these lows early on, we had to learn how to win games as a team and not through individuals. “I don’t think it was ever a question of if we would turn it around, but when. We’ve grown so much already as a squad in such a short space of time and these moments of adversity can only make us stronger for the long term.” Lipman’s reference to the long-term is a clear indicator of the culture of the club. This is a team that has been assembled to provide stability for the future, much like the men’s team. The club aren’t recklessly chasing success, but are looking at how they can give younger players opportunities to develop, knowing the strategy will pay off in the future. There are already signs that the method is working now, with several of the younger members of the squad taking their opportunity to impress. As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Lipman is excited about what the future holds for some of the younger generation – whilst also recognising the value of having experienced players like herself, captain Elisa Bartoli and goalkeeper Rosalia Pipitone around them. “There is so much talent in this squad, the potential is endless but development takes time,” she explains. “I believe it’s very important for these young girls to have experience around them, especially when things aren’t going well. Hopefully that’s where we can help by protecting and supporting them either on or off the pitch. “Saying that I also feel very fortunate to be playing alongside players like Elisa and Pipa. Although I have different playing experiences, mine is not specific to Italian football. They have both really helped me to understand the league better, the style of play and also what it means to play for AS Roma.” Another key component of Roma’s backline so far has been Angelica Soffia. Aged just 18, she has played in all 12 of Roma’s league games, and Lipman is fully aware of the right-back’s potential. “I know Angie from when I played at Verona last year. She was captain at the time and coming in again as one of the more experienced players we built up a good relationship. I supported her and she was my English translator!! “Angie has so much potential with a very good footballing brain to go with it. As long as she continues to work hard, learn and challenge herself I believe she has the ability to become whatever player she wants.”
Another teenager who has impressed has been fellow defender Heden Corrado, although Lipman is keen to pour praise on all members of the squad.
“As I previously mentioned we have so much talent in the squad. These girls can become whatever they want as long as they continue to challenge themselves mentally. For me this is the area which distinguishes the good from the great. “To date I would have to say the player who has really stood out for me is Heden Corrado. I have played at the back a few times with Heden now and considering she’s only 16 I have been so impressed with her tactical awareness, reading of the game and communication. Such mature performances for a girl who’s still so young.” When the squad was assembled in the summer, it gave female Roma fans the opportunity to dream about playing for the club, something they had never had before. Being a club that has prided itself on having players who grew up as Roma fans representing the team – Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Florenzi, Lorenzo Pellegrini – it was important for Roma to take this into account in the women’s setup too. Players like Bartoli, Claudia Ciccotti and Giada Greggi have brought their passion for the club they have supported all their lives onto the pitch, and Lipman is well aware of the advantages of having so many Romaniste in the lineup. “It’s really obvious to see and feel the pride and passion that’s shown to the club by all fans, players and staff working here. When you put the shirt on there’s a real acknowledgement that you’re part of something far greater than just a football club. “For sure our biggest Roma fan has to be Elisa, that's what brought her to the club, a chance to play for the team she’s had in her blood since she was young. She’s a true Romanista and is the perfect example of what this club means to its followers. Playing and battling alongside her every week is a real privilege.”
Characters like these have brought a real team spirit to the squad, ensuring Roma approach every game with a positive attitude. The players are fighting for each other on the pitch, showing commitment to the badge as they strive to make their debut season together a memorable one.
It seems there’s plenty to look forward to for this group of players. Having overcome the difficult start, Roma have won six of their nine games since, form which has propelled them to 4th place in the Serie A table. One of those matches was the impressive 7-1 thrashing of Chievo, in which Lipman scored her first goal for the club. In doing so, she became the first English player ever to score for AS Roma – something that no man has ever done. Lipman has been an integral part of Roma’s early successes and she will be hoping for more of the same in the second half of the season. Exciting times await this determined and passionate squad. Stay tuned for Part Two of Giallorossi Yorkshire’s exclusive interview with Lipman in the coming days. Roma Women return from the international break with the opportunity to extend their three-game unbeaten run.
Roma host Chievo Verona, looking to build on wins over Florentia and Orobica, as well as a draw with Tavagnacco. After an indifferent start to life at Stadio Tre Fontane, Roma finally picked up their first home win two weeks ago, when they beat Orobica by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. Today’s opponents, Chievo, are also unbeaten in three, but they have lost two of their three away games this season. Most recently, they drew 1-1 with Sassuolo, a result which saw them slip to 9th place in Serie A - one place lower than Roma. Roma can continue their ascent away from the relegation spots with a victory, potentially rising into the top half for the first time this season if other results go their way. Coach Betty Bavagnoli told Roma TV ahead of the game: "It's been a good period, with three good results. We need to keep building on that and continue to find consistency. "We know we are on a journey, that this is a big project we are building. We have worked hard during the international break." Forwards Agnese Bonfantini and Annamaria Serturini will be hoping to get on the scoresheet today - they have each netted twice this season, with only captain Elisa Bartoli also scoring more than once. However, the attackers will have competition for places, with Martina Piemonte cleared to return after a head injury. The game kicks off at 1:30pm and fans can watch it on the AS Roma Women Twitter page. Roma Women’s busiest week yet comes to a close today with a home tie against Orobica.
It will be the third game the side have played in the last week, during which they recorded their first ever win against Florentia and then fought back to draw 2-2 with Tavagnacco. Roma are above Orobica in the table, with the opponents winning one and losing four of their opening five games. However, Orobica would overtake Roma if they won, so Betty Bavagnoli’s side will have to be on their guard. They will be boosted by the return of defender Eleonora Cunsolo, who will add another important option to the backline. Cunsolo is yet to feature this season, so her presence will be a boost for the squad. Bavagnoli is keen not to underestimate today’s opponents. She told the club’s website: “We aren’t looking at where Orobica are in the league, we respect our opponents but will play our game to try and take all three points.” Roma are still without a competitive win at Stadio Tre Fontane this season, but with this the second of three consecutive home games, they will be looking to put that right. The match, which is Roma’s last for two weeks (a time during which they will find out their Coppa Italia Round of 16 opponents), kicks off at 2pm UK time. Roma Women will be looking for their first ever home Serie A win when they take on Tavagnacco on Wednesday afternoon.
After finally recording their first league win against Florentia on Saturday, Roma now have something to build on, as they look to make up for lost time in their debut Serie A campaign. Roma lie 10th in the table having lost their first three games, but with a win now secured, it's time for them to put a string of positive results together. This game was meant to be Roma's first home game of the season, but was postponed, so it's a game in hand that Roma must make use of. Tavagnacco have won two and lost two of their four games this season, and Roma can overtake them with a win. However, Tavagnacco are a strong side - they came fourth in Serie A last season, and finished as runners up as recently as 2012-13. They may have no standing in men's football, but they are a dangerous opponent in the women's game. The goals in Saturday's win came from Claudia Ciccotti and Agnese Bonfantini, which were Roma's first goals for over a month. Each of the side's four goals this season have been scored by different players, reflective of the way the men's team have been sharing the goals around as well. Forwards Luisa Pugnali and Martina Piemonte - who has returned home from hospital after suffering a head injury - are yet to score in seven games between them, so there is the potential for even more players to get among the goals in future. Three Roma players have been called up for Italy's friendly against Germany next month, which will be a big morale booster for them. Goalkeeper Rosalia Pipitone and defender Elisa Bartoli have both been everpresent for Roma this season, while striker Annamaria Serturini, the scorer of Roma's first ever goal in Serie A Femminile, has been called up for the first time. Any of these players could have an impact today, as Roma look to record back-to-back wins. The game kicks off at 2pm UK time. |
samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|