Confirming top four finish the motivation for Bavagnoli

Roma head to Stadio Tre Fontane with a nine-point advantage over their fifth-placed rivals – meaning that, with just four games left in the league this season, another win would confirm a top four finish in their inaugural campaign in Serie A.

And Bavagnoli is hoping her players take advantage of the opportunity.

“Winning against Atalanta Mozzanica would mean we are mathematically confirmed in the top four – and that’s an added motivation for us,” she said.

“We are very pleased with the season we have put together so far but Sunday’s game will be very tough, very dangerous. We will have to work hard to get the result.

“Atalanta Mozzanica are a side we have a lot of respect for. They have done well this season, they’ve come on a lot. I expect them to be very combative, to not give anything away cheaply. They have come to Rome to get a result. It will definitely be a great game.”

Roma ran out 2-0 winners when the two sides met earlier in the season, while they should come into the game in high spirits following last weekend’s 5-0 demolition of Chievo Verona.

“Against Chievo we played well, but we can still do a lot better,” Bavagnoli added.

“I like that the team is able to re-organise itself, that it can stand up in the tough moments and come back fighting. This is something you don’t always find. On Sunday I would also like to see them maintain the same belief and conviction throughout.”

Kick-off at Tre Fontane is at 12:30 local time – with fans able to enter for free. The game will also be broadcast live on Twitter – at @ASRomaWomen.