Bavagnoli: Patience crucial against Empoli

With a draw and a win under their belt so far, the Giallorosse head to Tuscany prepared for a tough game against Empoli - who they beat 3-2 in a pre-season friendly in Italy.

The hosts will go into the game confident in their chances - having narrowly lost to reigning champions Juventus in a seven-goal thriller last week.

"We are going up against a really well-drilled side, they are always organised and well prepared," Bavagnoli told Roma TV.

"I’ve already had the chance to congratulate the coach for that, because we played them during pre-season. It will be a tough game, a really tough game."

She added: "I’m expecting the players to show patience. We need to try to control the game and make sure we play our style – but above all we need to be balanced and try and limit the errors we make, and try to ensure we restrict Empoli in the areas they are strong as much as possible.

"So, yes, I’m expecting a game where we will need to show a lot of patience and maturity."

Having shown their resolve to edge to a 2-0 win over Pink Bari last weekend, Bavagnoli believes her side are in the right frame of mind to add another win to their record.

"The win over Pink Bari has been a big boost, it's helped push us on to keep improving," she said.

"We know how important it is to make certain things come more naturally - we still haven't perfected things, obviously, but we are making progress all the time.

"A win always helps in terms of morale and it gives you confidence and hunger going into the next game, to keep the run going."