Keys To Victory: Bartoli's brilliance sees off Orobica

Roma Women survived a late scare to take all three points back from their clash with Orobica in Bergamo.

After going 3-0 up through Luisa Pugnali, Elisa Bartoli and Vanessa Bernauer, Roma let in two goals to the bottom side in Serie A this season, setting up a nervous end to another competitive encounter.

However, the Giallorosse held on to record a second straight win.

It wasn’t all plain sailing, with goalkeeper Rosalia Pipitone having to make a couple of smart saves to thwart the home side’s attack. However, thanks to some major factors, Roma saw out the victory to maintain their stronghold on fourth place.

KEY MOMENT

What a goal. Elisa Bartoli’s strike to make it 2-0 will not be forgotten any time soon. The captain received the ball in the box with her back to goal, bringing it under control in the air. As the ball popped up, she pulled off a spectacular bicycle kick to send it flying over a sea of bodies and into the net.

The goal was a thing of beauty. Technique, creativity, precision… all the boxes were ticked. Bartoli’s idea to shoot was amazing, and she had the ability to make it a reality.

Bartoli had already scored three league goals for Roma this season, and her fourth was the pick of the bunch. It was an inspired moment of genius that proved once again just how good she is.

KEY PLAYER

But it wasn’t just the goal that impressed about Bartoli’s performance. The No. 13 led by example both in and out of possession.

As usual, she refused to be restricted by her position, roaming all over the pitch. The way she covered the territory gave a real momentum to Roma’s attacking movements and helped set the tempo of the game.

In the defensive phase she impressed as well. For example, in stoppage time, she put in a crunching tackle on Martina Cortesi to prevent a dangerous counter attack that could have led to an Orobica equaliser.

It was a perfectly timed challenge, showing just how much winning means to Bartoli. There was no way she was allowing the opponents to peg Roma back again.

KEY DECISION

Once again, a decision made by coach Betty Bavagnoli over the starting lineup stood out and ensured Roma started the game positively. After coming on as a substitute in the win over Florentia the previous week, Luisa Pugnali was handed a start on the left wing.

The Italian attacker has shown versatility this season, adapting to either a role on the wing, or in a more central striking position. The 24-year-old showed no signs of struggling to adapt to the wide position, making an impact within the opening seven minutes.

Powering down the left wing before cutting inside, Pugnali expertly curled the ball into the top corner with a sweet right-footed hit. Striking the ball with the perfect power and elevation, her looping effort gave opposing keeper Giorgia Bettineschi no chance. The way she caressed the ball at her feet as she dribbled was excellent; the finish even better.

Later in the game, when Annamaria Serturini was introduced, Pugnali was shifted out to the right wing. She is contributing from all areas along the frontline, proving herself as an adaptable asset to the team.

KEY FACT

The result means Roma have now won five away matches in Serie A this season. The Giallorosse have thus taken 15 points from a possible 24 on their travels.

Only Fiorentina, Juventus and AC Milan have a better away record than Roma in the top division.

It was especially important for Roma to bounce back on the road after losing their last away game, to Juventus, a fortnight ago. Besides that loss, Bavagnoli’s side haven’t tasted defeat away from Stadio Tre Fontane since the second matchday, back in October.

With exactly the same number of wins at home and away, Roma are showing they can adapt to their surroundings and play with the right focus, passion and skill whatever the venue.

It’s back to the Tre Fontane next, as the second leg of the Coppa Italia clash with Roma CF takes place on Wednesday afternoon.

The Giallorosse are taking a 6-3 lead into the match as they look to seal their place in the semi-finals.