Keys to Victory: Records broken on unforgettable afternoon

Roma Women crossed the finishing line in style by securing Champions League qualification with their biggest ever win, 8-0 against Sampdoria, on Saturday.

Four goals in either half secured second place for the Giallorosse, who have earned their highest ever finish in Serie A Femminile with one game to spare.

Annamaria Serturini set things in motion with a goal on her 100th appearance for the club, before a brace of headers from Valeria Pirone and a long-range strike from Manuela Giugliano gave the side a comfortable lead by the break.

In the second half, Paloma Lazaro and Beata Kollmats – with her first goal for the club – extended the lead further, before late goals from Sophie Roman Haug and captain Elisa Bartoli on her birthday.

Never before have Roma scored eight goals in a single match, and they chose quite the occasion to do it. Thanks to their efforts, they have now earned their first ever European adventure.

This is the story of how they did it.

Key Player

Going into the game, Roma knew that merely avoiding defeat from their last two games of the season would be enough for them to finish second.

But strolling over the line was not on their minds; instead, Roma wanted to get there in style.

They certainly managed that, making a statement with the intensity they showed from the off. Breaking the deadlock inside 10 minutes set the tone for a day of celebration.

Already a significant occasion for Serturini, who was becoming the first player to make a century of appearances for the club, it was perfectly scripted that she would score the opening goal.

After developments from a corner, Serturini was set up on the right-hand edge of the penalty area. Striking first time, her effort swung into the near top corner.

From that point on, Roma were mathematically in an unassailable position in second place. The way they kept going beyond then in a dominant performance made sure of it by the end of the match.

Key Player

Contributing to half of your team’s goals is an achievement in a win by any margin, but to do so in an eight-goal triumph is quite something.

That’s what Lazaro managed to accomplish, scoring one of Roma’s goals against Sampdoria and assisting three more.

It was the Spanish striker who set up Serturini’s opener, instinctively laying it off for her teammate without having to look up.

Her next assist was for Roma’s third goal, when she floated in a left-footed cross for fellow striker Pirone.

Then, she played a simple pass into the path of Giugliano, whose long-distance strike capped off a fine first half.

Each assist, in effect, showed a different quality of Lazaro’s play as a focal point.

After the break, it would be time for Lazaro to get in on the act herself. She showed her striking instincts by latching on to a deflected Serturini cross, heading home from close range.

With her goal, she became only the second ever Roma player – after Serturini herself in 2018-19 – to reach double figures of Serie A Femminile goals in a single season.

Making sure it was three points rather than one ensured Roma strengthened their advantage in the race for second place, remaining five points above Milan with two games to go.

And in a positive display of the confidence Roma currently feel invigorated by, it was a late goal that epitomised their belief and desire to clinch their target, which is edging ever nearer.

Key Decision

The pick of the bunch of Roma’s goals came from an area when many players may not have been inclined to shoot.

As mentioned, Giugliano’s goal to make it four before half time was from far out – becoming a late contender for Roma’s best of the season.

After taking a touch to get the ball out of her feet, Giugliano saw she had space in front of her to allow a clean strike of the ball. Aware of her surroundings even before receiving it, the midfielder knew she had a chance to hit the target – so chose that route.

Her powerful effort bounced just in front of the keeper, making it awkward to stop. As the ball evaded the shot-stopper and nestled in the net, Giugliano’s decision to take on an ambitious shot was justified.

It was not the only time she would have a go from distance, in what was an influential performance. Brimming with confidence, her moment of inspiration brought up her 10th goal for the club.

Bartoli also reached that landmark later in the day – scoring in consecutive games for the second time in her Roma career – meaning they are among a group of just seven players to have hit 10 goals or more for the club so far.

Key Fact

At this point, it would usually be the time to mention that, for example, Lazaro has become just the third Roma Women player to score in four league games in a row; that she and Roman Haug have both been on the same scoresheet for three league games in a row – the first time that has happened for a pair of Giallorosse players; or that Roma have recorded the biggest win by any team in Serie A Femminile this season.

But there is one statement that has now become fact, more meaningful than everything. Next season, Roma Women will be competing in the Champions League.

It is the culmination of their work over a four-year project so far, and an admirable achievement for Alessandro Spugna in his first season as head coach of the club.

Likewise, his predecessor Betty Bavagnoli has helped bring experienced and talented players to the club in her role as Head of Women’s Football to give Spugna a squad capable of competing near the top.

And that’s what they have done this season, with the desired reward now earned.

Now, the season is set to conclude with a derby and then a cup final. Roma will be hoping those two big occasions will give them further reason to celebrate after what has been a season of significant growth.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1