Keys to Victory: Giugliano's class shows in Empoli win

A lightning-quick start saw Roma take the lead with barely a minute played, as Vanessa Bernauer latched onto Annamaria Serturini’s cross into the box to poke home the opener. The lead was soon doubled after Lindsey Thomas diverted Agnese Bonfantini’s through ball beyond the opposing keeper.

Two more goals followed in the second half, as Thomas returned the favour for Bonfantini after a run down the wing, setting the Italian up for a cross-goal finish. And to complete the victory, another player who had recorded an assist earlier was on hand to score, as Serturini showed composure with a smart one-on-one finish to make it 4-0.

Key Moment

Going into a game against a recently-promoted side, Roma would have been expected to win. But no team can afford to allow complacency to creep in, a mentality that coach Betty Bavagnoli has clearly instilled into her squad.

Thus, when Roma took the early lead, it was clear that they were not going to rest on their laurels. The players maintained an aggressive press throughout all areas of the field, pursuing goals that would extend their lead and take the game beyond doubt.

Even when the lead was opened so early, Roma could obviously not afford to think the game had already been won, which is why they pushed so hard to get a second goal before the break. But perhaps it was the third goal that truly meant there was to be no way back for Empoli.

Thomas’ surging run down the right-hand side showed that Roma were continuing with the high intensity of their game. The French forward showed intelligence by teeing up Bonfantini, whose accurate finish gave the goalkeeper no chance. Three goals ahead and with a little over half an hour to play, Roma knew the result would be going their way.

Key Player

Roma upgraded all areas of their squad over the summer, but the effects have been seen in the midfield more than any other position. The strength in depth that Roma now have there was highlighted by the fact that the player who ended the game wearing the captain’s armband, Giada Greggi, didn’t even start.

One of the players who has given Bavagnoli this welcomed selection dilemma is Manuela Giugliano, who is starting to live up to expectations at Roma. The Italy star was Roma’s main source of creativity, with her defence-splitting passes and desire to get forward, despite starting from the base of midfield.

The move that led to Roma’s second goal began from Giugliano’s ambitious but powerful shot from a tight angle, while she also created a chance for Bernauer later in the half, with her fellow midfielder nearly scoring a spectacular goal from distance.

Giugliano also notched the assist for the final goal, playing in Serturini with an aerial pass that allowed her compatriot to attack the space in front of her. The signs are that Giugliano is already becoming a dominant force in Roma’s midfield.

Key Decision

Bavagnoli opted for a very strong lineup, a respectable approach showing that she underestimates no opposition. One of the changes she did make was to bring Lindsey Thomas into the starting lineup, deploying her in a more central position than where she has played so far.

Seizing her opportunity to start as a centre-forward for the first time since joining in the summer, Thomas led the line impressively for Roma. The striker linked up well with wingers Bonfantini and Serturini, choosing the right moments to play them in or to keep the ball herself.

For example, her pass to Bonfantini for goal number three was perfectly-timed and caught the defence out, and in itself could have been chosen as the key decision.

Overall, Thomas’ hold-up play helped Roma keep possession of the ball for as long as possible, with intelligence rewarded with a goal and assist. Her connection with her fellow attackers will surely warrant further opportunities up front.

Key Fact

As important as the four goals, was the manner in which Roma dedicated themselves to keeping a clean sheet. As mentioned, the intensity of the press restricted the space for their opponents and kept the ball as far away from their own goal as possible.

It will come as something of a surprise to learn that that was actually Roma’s first home clean sheet of 2019. The Giallorosse are always well-supported at Stadio Tre Fontane, and the loyalty of the crowd was reflected in the way the team fought to secure the three points.

Defensively, Roma were smart and assured, showing good levels of concentration to not allow any errors at the back – following on from their strong showing in an even more impressive win, a 2-0 triumph against title challengers Fiorentina, before the international break.

This improved defensive solidity gives promise to the idea that Roma can be a hard team to beat both home and away. If Roma can replicate this kind of display in the bigger games, Tre Fontane could become a fortress – something which will be vital if they are to challenge for their targets. They have certainly started on the right path.