Giallorosse Secure Coveted Third Place in Serie A

In a nail-biting conclusion to the Serie A season, AS Roma emerged victorious against Fiorentina with a narrow 1-0 win, securing their place in next year’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. The hard-fought match, decided by a penalty from Manuela Giugliano, lived up to expectations as both teams displayed unwavering determination.

Tactical Showdown: Formations and Key Players

Fiorentina’s coach, de la Fuente, opted for an attacking 3-4-1-2 formation, aiming to compensate for the absence of key player Bonfantini. Meanwhile, Roma’s coach, Spugna, countered with a 4-3-3 setup, featuring Cissoko in place of the suspended Minami. This tactical battle set the stage for a dynamic and engaging contest.

We knew this game would be a challenge, but the team showed incredible resilience and determination to secure the win.

Coach Alessandro Spugna, AS Roma

First Half Stalemate: Opportunities Abound

the first half saw both teams creating scoring opportunities, yet neither could break the deadlock.Fiorentina started strongly, putting Roma’s defence under pressure. Though, Roma responded with their own attacks, only to be denied by a combination of solid defending and the woodwork. The high tempo reflected the importance of the match for both sides.

Giugliano’s Penalty Decisive: Second Half Drama

The game’s turning point arrived early in the second half when Giugliano converted a penalty in the 48th minute, awarded after a foul by Kaja Erzen on Emilie Haavi. This goal shifted the momentum,initially unsettling Fiorentina. However, the home side quickly regrouped, with Bredgaard and Severini both hitting the crossbar, signaling their intent to fight back.

The tension was palpable both on the field and in the stands as the clock ticked down. Despite numerous substitutions and relentless efforts from both teams, the score remained unchanged. in the dying moments, Fiorentina pushed for an equalizer, with Severini striking the crossbar again and Pastrenge being thwarted by Roma’s goalkeeper, Ceasar. Roma nearly extended their lead through Giacinti, but she too was denied by the post.

Match statistics and Team Lineups

The final whistle confirmed Roma’s victory and their Champions League qualification. The match was a testament to the growing competitiveness of Serie A Women’s football. According to recent data, viewership for women’s football has increased by 30% in the past year, highlighting the sport’s rising popularity.

Team Lineups

Fiorentina (3-4-1-2): Fiskerstrand, Erzen, Ballisager, Faerge, Snerle, Curmark, Severini, Catena, Boquete (C), Bredgaard, Janogy.

Subs: Bettineschi, Durante, Georgieva, Filangeri, Pastrenge, Cherubini, Longo, Dellaperuta, Ciabini, Lombardi, Sarti.

Coach: S. de la Fuente

AS Roma (4-3-3): Ceasar, Thogersen, Cissoko, Linari, Di Guglielmo, Kuhl, Troelsgaard, giugliano (C), Pilgrim, Giacinti, Haavi.

Subs: Ktesche, Merolla, Oladipo, Pante, Kim Shinji, Pandini, Cherubini, Catena, Corelli, Glionna, Viens.

Coach: A.Spugna

Key Moment

Goal: M. Giugliano (R, penalty 48′)