Bavagnoli: Now the hard work really starts

Roma Women coach Betty Bavagnoli believes her side are heading into a decisive period of the season, beginning with Sunday's visit to face Florentia.

The Giallorosse head into the fixture - which last season served as the club's first-ever competitive triumph - on the back of four wins on the spin, although the recent international break may have disrupted their rhythm somewhat.

Florentia will perhaps hope that will not be the case either - having won their last two games in succession - but Bavagnoli is adamant it will be a tough game either way.

“We come into this game with great desire to keep making progress,” Bavagnoli said.

“But do that then we have to go up against a good, well-organised side – one that has been playing well regardless of what the league table might say.

“We need to put in an intelligent performance and have the patience to deal with any tough moments during the game."

With the latest international break now over, the side are ready to embark on an important run of games, that could define the aims for the remainder of the campaign.

“We are now going into a busy period and that’s a good thing, because it gives us the opportunity to put points on the board and, by putting in the sort of displays we know we are capable of, to improve our cohesion and structure as a team," Bavagnoli added.

"In that regard there is also the opportunity for other players to get the chance to impress too.”

Sunday's match in Tuscany gets underway at 14:30 local time.