Spugna praises girls despite narrow final defeat

Alessandro Spugna was full of praise for his Roma Women side after they fell to a narrow defeat against Juventus in the final of the Coppa Italia on Sunday.

The Giallorosse took the lead early on but ultimately succumbed to two goals in the final 10 minutes, as they narrowly failed to defend the trophy they won last season.

Speaking after the game, Spugna would only praise his players - after a season that has also seen them secure Champions League football for the first time.

“There's some regret there today, because for 80 minutes we were brilliant," Spugna said.

"We needed to get the second, though, because against Juventus it just takes one thing to go against you to turn the whole contest. And that's what happened.

"But I'm still full of praise for them, because it's been an incredible season. Not just qualifying for the Champions League, but also the way we've performed today. We were dictating play for the entire game - and that's an important sign for the future."

He added: "We need to build on this season. We need to try and do even more, to close the gap to them even further. They are a very strong side but we've shown we are too."

Spugna was asked what was behind the step-up in performances this season, as the Giallorosse pushed Juventus all the way in both league and cup.

"The praise goes to the girls, the staff, the club," he said.

"I've joined this season and it's been a great season where we've worked really well in a good atmosphere. Games like today's help us improve in every aspect.

"We will do everything we can to make sure we are well prepared ahead of next season, ahead of our qualifying matches for the Champions League."