Bavagnoli: We want to bounce back in Florence

Roma Women coach Betty Bavagnoli believes her side head to Florence determined to make amends for their opening day defeat in Serie A.

The Giallorosse lost 3-0 to AC Milan last Sunday, in what was a disappointing start to the new campaign - despite a combative first-half display.

But a visit to Fiorentina, last season’s league and cup runners-up, gives the side an immediate chance to respond – against another of Serie A’s top sides.

“The mood after the Milan game wasn’t the best but we have another game straight away that gives us the chance to bounce back,” Bavagnoli said. “It’s not the time to be disheartened.

“We have worked hard during the week; we have tried to identify the mistakes we made and hopefully this will mean we go to Florence and put in a better performance.”

She added: “In terms of our attitude and approach, we mustn’t make the same mistakes: the mental side of things is so important, and last week - while we also made some tactical errors - the biggest thing was that we were a bit timid in our approach at times.

“If we want to make that step forward in quality than we have to start demonstrating we are ready to do that now, and that is especially true from a mental perspective. The quality of the display is vitally important.”

Sunday's game gets underway at 12:30 local time.

Fiorentina began their campaign with a derby victory over Florentia.