Keys to Victory: Hegerberg to the fore again

There were braces from both Andrine Hegerberg and Annamaria Serturini, with Manuela Coluccini and Lindsey Thomas adding to the scoring as Roma won by a six-goal margin for the second time in their short history.

The result extended their winning run to four games in all competitions, ensuring they saw out 2019 on a high note.

Key Moment

It has been a challenging few months for Manuela Coluccini, who missed the end of last season with a cruciate ligament injury. The Rome-born midfielder returned in the most emphatic way possible, however, when she scored from outside the box less than a minute after coming on for her first appearance of the season.

With the score already at 3-0, the win had practically been secured already, but Betty Bavagnoli was still demanding more from her players. And Coluccini took no time at all in making her mark to satisfy her coach’s wishes.

Receiving the ball with space in front of her, she let fly a powerful shot which soared into the net – leading to a fitting celebration from her teammates.

The squad had celebrated the opening goal by honouring one player who has just suffered a ligament injury of her own, when they held a shirt aloft for defender Federica Di Criscio. And Coluccini’s dramatic return prompted another celebration that showed how close the squad are, as all her teammates were quick to congratulate her.

The 31-year-old kept on working hard after her dramatic entrance, quickly finding her range of passing and getting stuck in with tackles. But it was the emotion of her goal – the first she has ever scored for the club – that will remain one of the standout moments of the year.

Key Player

Of the two players who scored braces, it was the one who opened the scoring who arguably impressed the most.

Andrine Hegerberg continued her positive start to the season with her two-goal cameo. Both strikes were instinctive finishes, as the midfielder showed her desire to drive Roma forward.

Hegerberg was not particularly renowned for her goalscoring before she joined the club in the summer, but has made a positive start in her new surroundings. Against Orobica, her goals ensured her side set off on the right path.

She even had a chance to complete a first career hat trick shortly after her second, as she continued to be an influence high up the pitch.

Granted some well-earned rest by Bavagnoli in the second half, Hegerberg left the pitch knowing she could be extremely satisfied with the work she had done.

Key Decision

After an intense week which had seen wins over Inter Milan and Pink Bari – the latter requiring a gruelling period of extra time to advance in the Coppa Italia – Bavagnoli knew she had to rotate things for this game.

Rather than underestimating her opponent, who started the weekend bottom of the table, Bavagnoli chose a blend of her most important players and those who needed more minutes.

Players who had been heavily involved in midweek were given a much-needed rest, with the likes of Agnese Bonfantini and Camelia Ceasar left on the bench.

When the scoreline was comfortable, she used her substitutions wisely to help some of her players integrate into the action. Eleonora Cunsolo was a half-time addition at left-back, before Coluccini was given her long-awaited return, and then a debut was given to 16-year-old Emma Severini.

Despite her lack of experience, Severini particularly painted herself in a good light, almost marking her debut with a goal when a volley was saved at close range.

Once again, the group mentality shone through in the way that some of the more senior players looked to get her on the ball as much as possible.

It was the perfect environment for a youngster to take their first steps in Serie A, as the midfielder was allowed to showcase her skills when the pressure wasn’t on.

Key Fact

The last goal of the game came via a deft finish from Lindsey Thomas. In behind the defence and with the goalkeeper rushing out, Thomas dinked the ball over her to grab her fourth league goal of the season.

That means the French forward has already matched the tally she managed with Dijon last year, showing how brightly she has started her Italian adventure.

Adapting either as a central striker or playing on the wing – where she featured against Orobica – the 24-year-old has stood out for her work rate and strength. Crucially, she is also getting the goals her team need – and with technique like this, she is doing so with style.