Gallery: Roma Women win 6-3 in cup derby!

Betty Bavagnoli's side made life difficult for themselves and had to come back twice to win the game in north Rome - with Martina Piemonte, Maria Zecca, Elisa Bartoli, Giada Greggi (2) and Manuela Coluccini all getting on the scoresheet.

The two sides will now return to Stadio Tre Fontane for the second leg on February 20 - with the winner moving on to the semi-finals of the competition.

"Clearly the second half has given us a little more breathing room for the second leg, but we aren’t through yet – there is still work to do," Bavagnoli said.

The Giallorosse will perhaps now be a little more confident that it will be them that progress though - especially after Coluccini and Greggi grabbed late goals to add a certain comfort to the final scoreline. But they were made to work for their victory by their Serie B opponents.

After the hosts grabbed an early lead it was Piemonte who lashed home the equaliser - only for Roma CF to restore their advantage almost immediately. Zecca then prodded home her first-ever Roma goal moments after half-time to level things again at 2-2.

Captain Bartoli then produced a fine solo finish to finally give Roma Women a lead - only for that to be wiped out again almost immediately. Indeed it was not until substitute Greggi took advantage of a goalkeeper error to slot home that Bavagnoli's side took a lead they would keep.

Coluccini - with a brilliant drive from 20 yards out - and Greggi, again, then helped make the second leg challenge look a little less daunting.

"In the end we all worked hard together to produce another comeback," Zecca said.

"It feels amazing to get my first goal – I can’t describe it. I can’t wait to see what else is to come during the rest of the season.”

The coach was left disappointed for the second time in succession, following a messy victory at the weekend over Verona.

"We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game – we said that. But, just like at the weekend, we made life harder for ourselves than we should have," she said.

"Honestly, in the first half we gave away far too much – chances, goals, dangerous situations. We didn’t battle as we can, we didn’t use the ball as we can, and I expect more of the girls – but we must not forget that we are tired, mentally and physically, because we are still getting used to playing so many big games in such a span like this.

"We shouldn’t forget the opposition either – my congratulations to them, to Roma CF, because they really played well. As we knew they would."

The Giallorosse are back in action this weekend, as they travel to face Juventus in the league.

See photos from Wednesday's game in the gallery below.

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