Keys to Victory: Giallorosse send early season statement

Roma Women marked their return to Stadio Tre Fontane with one of their best ever performances against an opponent of similar calibre by beating AC Milan 2-0 on Saturday.

From their first home match of the season, Roma earned a convincing three points against the club who were their closest challengers for a Champions League place last season.

Starting with a high tempo and remaining in control of the game in front of a packed home crowd, Alessandro Spugna’s side completely shut out their visitors. Goals from Moeka Minami and Valentina Giacinti in the first half proved to be decisive.

Although it must be admitted that Milan haven’t started the season as they would have expected, they have several capable players whom Roma know all about. Hence, beating them served as a significant confidence booster to a Giallorosse side whose ambitions are growing season upon season.

Key Player

Going up against Milan was always going to be an occasion of particular significance for Giacinti, who had spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Rossonere and served as their captain for all but the first.

After her time there ended for good in the summer (following a loan stint with Fiorentina), Roma brought her in to elevate the level of their own attack. With goals in both of her league appearances for her new club so far, she is demonstrating exactly how.

Giacinti led the line with determination and presence for Roma, always looking to get on the end of chances and being a handful for some of the defenders she used to call teammates.

It was fitting to see her work rate rewarded with a goal – her first at Tre Fontane as a Roma player, and first at the venue since the opening day of the 2019-20 season with Milan.

As a result, she is one of five players across the league to have scored in both Serie A Femminile matches for her team so far.

Key Moment

Giacinti’s efforts paid off in the 43rd minute, when she scored Roma’s second goal of the afternoon. Played through by Annamaria Serturini, it looked as if the best option for the striker would have been to pass to an unmarked Emilie Haavi on the left wing.

But the 28-year-old showed her experience and did what she came to Roma to do – score.

Working the ball to a useful angle, she wrongfooted goalkeeper Laura Giuliani by aiming her shot towards the near post. The left-footed effort was a successful one and increased Roma’s lead just before half time.

It made their position of superiority more convincing, their first-half pressure paying off to put them in control.

Key Decision

There were a lot of judgements that Roma got right on the day, but perhaps one of the most important from coach Spugna came before this game itself.

With Elena Linari out injured, the Roma boss turned to a centre-back partnership of Carina Wenninger and Minami – two new signings for the current season.

Wenninger’s experience with Bayern Munich means she should be a dependable option, while Minami is more of a long-term prospect for the club to work with and develop over time.

But having already bedded her in by starting her in the two Champions League matches and one Serie A fixture before the Milan game, Spugna got to see an accomplished display from the 23-year-old newcomer to European football.

Minami even got on the scoresheet by showing smart control and composure to finish after the ball fell to her in the box following developments from a set piece.

By helping with her preparation at the earliest stage possible, Roma have equipped themselves with another option at the back. In turn, she and Wenninger produced solid performances.

Indeed, Roma kept a clean sheet, which goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar barely had to work for. With the defenders helping restrict Milan to no shots on target, there were no saves for the Romanian to make.

Key Fact

Ultimately, the win over Milan was well deserved by a Roma side brimming with confidence in their own abilities.

Unless counting the penalty shootout triumph in the Coppa Italia final of the 2020-21 season after a goalless draw, this was Roma’s first ever win over Milan.

It means they have now beaten every domestic opponent they have ever faced on at least one occasion, which reinforces the idea that they should not be afraid of anyone.

On their day, Roma are capable of competing with sides of all statures – and it has been their day more often than it has not over the past few months.

Going into a match against reigning champions Juventus, this particular accomplishment could not have been timed much better. Friday’s battle will be an even bigger challenge, but Roma have reinforced their competitive qualities ahead of it.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1