Keys to Victory: Spirit shows as Empoli are overcome

Roma Women earned one of their most dramatic wins yet on Saturday, when they beat Empoli 2-1 thanks to a very late Elena Linari penalty.

Dealing with a depleted squad, Roma knew this game would be more about the final outcome rather than how they got to it. Although it was not a vintage performance, they showed the qualities they required – namely persistence and a battling spirit – to turn the tie in their favour.

After going behind in the first half, Roma equalised within the final 10 minutes via debutant Mina Bergersen. Then, Linari won it from the spot deep into injury time.

It was another result that stands Roma in good stead for the second half of the season. These were some of the aspects that shone through from it.

Taking a two-goal lead courtesy of headers from Valeria Pirone and Vanessa Bernauer – each from Manuela Giugliano corners – Roma were eventually pegged back, with Lazio restoring parity just before the hour mark.

But the visitors did not push on for a winner after and Roma took advantage, re-asserting their control of the clash. Benedetta Glionna scored a free kick to win it within the last 20 minutes.

The first derby is Roma’s – just like it was in the first men’s edition back in 1928 – and here’s how they made sure it was.

Key Moment

After a taxing 90 minutes, Roma were still level with their opponents. Although a point may have still been a good result in the circumstances – with eight senior players missing and a ninth going off injured during the game – this was the kind of match that must be won if the side are to retain their place in the top two.

Thus, when Roma were awarded a penalty late in stoppage time, it was a pivotal moment – one that required a leader to take responsibility.

Step forward Elena Linari. A few days after the first anniversary of her arrival at Roma, which has proven to be a significant moment for the club, the centre-back showed her leadership credentials by deciding to take the crucial penalty.

The pressure was very much on, and with Linari having been the only Roma player to miss her penalty in the shootout in the Coppa Italia final against Milan back in May (which was obviously inconsequential for her, since the Giallorosse won), there was perhaps an added weight.

But Linari did not show any signs of such pressure. Giving a truer reflection of her impressive ability from 12 yards (especially for a defender), she powerfully placed her penalty into the top corner. It was the kind of effort that would have been hard for any goalkeeper to save.

There and then, Roma knew it was the winner, even if they would have to see out what little time remained of the action. The celebrations showed a sense of relief, but also belief that this could be the start of a regaining of momentum following the winter break.

Key Player

Although the lineup still had many recognisable squad members, Roma’s selection dilemmas provided opportunities for a couple of players on the fringes or for those yet to have the time to prove themselves.

The teamsheet included a first Serie A appearance for recent signing Emilie Haavi, who slotted in as a wing-back.

The Norwegian gradually settled into the action, eventually building up a rhythm and causing problems with her crossing ability and dribbling.

The reward came with an assist for her compatriot Bergersen’s equaliser, which was a carefully weighted pass into the middle of the box despite being slightly off-balance while she played it.

Versatile midfielder Haavi should be able to influence the play from a range of different angles, but some of the first glimpses of what she can contribute came from the wider roles as she made just her second start for the club.

Within it, she showed Roma what they have to work with in the weeks ahead.

Key Decision

Haavi’s growth into the game came as a result of her swapping positions with Annamaria Serturini in the second half.

The new signing had initially started on the right flank with Serturini on the left, but they reversed their roles after the break.

Haavi found more joy down the left-hand side, while Serturini was also able to play in more crosses from her dominant foot on the right.

Of course, the pass Haavi played to set up Roma’s first goal came from the left, as did some of her surging runs, showing the benefits of the switch.

Naturally, top-scorer Serturini will often be favoured in her preferred role, but as Roma experiment with different systems as they have been doing recently, it was promising to see more ideas being put to the test and receiving proof that they can work.

Key Fact

Linari’s goal in the 98th minute was the obvious standout moment, but the comeback would not have been possible without Bergersen’s impact either.

One of the younger players to benefit from being drafted into the matchday squad, the teenager took her opportunity after being sent on for a senior debut in the 69th minute.

Just a quarter of an hour later, without feeling any pressure, Bergersen got into the right place at the right time to calmly give Roma a foothold in the game with a well-placed finish.

In doing so, she became the youngest player to score on her Roma Women debut and only the fifth to do so overall.

Only Alice Corelli and Emma Severini have scored at a younger age than her, but those were not in their first games.

Therefore, Bergersen has got off the mark in a memorable way.

When more senior players return, there is no pressure for her to replicate such a contribution, but even if she still has a lesser role to play from here on in, Roma can be thankful for the confidence and composure she showed to help them get an important result.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1