Opinion: Supercoppa success sets Giallorosse sights on new heights

Roma Women claimed the Supercoppa Italiana trophy at the start of this month with a penalty shootout win over the only side to outperform them in Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, Juventus – and they will be hoping it could signal the start of a momentum shift.

Last season, Alessandro Spugna’s first at the helm, saw significant progress from Roma, who pushed closely on both fronts. By finishing as runners up to Juventus after an intense battle over the course of the season, the Giallorosse qualified for two other competitions – this season’s Champions League, for the first time ever, and of course, the Supercoppa Italiana.

Having set out strongly in the new season, both domestically and in Europe, Roma were presented with their first chance of more silverware in early November, looking to double the number of trophies in their cabinet after their Coppa Italia win from 2021.

Moreover, this was the first trophy on offer to anyone since women’s football in Italy turned professional, so it would be a landmark for the eventual winners.

Roma knew they would have to produce a complete display against Juventus, the side that had denied them in such frustrating fashion in their defence of their Coppa Italia crown last season, in order to get the additional honour they were seeking. Roma would need an almost equal measure of quality and fortune.

With that in mind, perhaps it was fitting that the game, which was certainly not without its drama in normal time, went all the way to penalties. Roma had gone in front via a goal from Valentina Giacinti – with the summer signing once again delivering the cutting edge that the club brought her in for – but were taken to extra time after a Lisa Boattin free kick.

After enduring that tough extra half an hour, Roma found themselves in the same situation that preceded their previous trophy win.

Just like in the 2021 Coppa Italia final - which on that occasion was against AC Milan - they would have to win a penalty shootout to get their hands on the trophy.

At moments like this, many teams might start to develop nerves, and understandably so. But when you have Camelia Ceasar in goal, as well as a number of reliable penalty takers – even though some of Roma’s usual ones had been taken off by this point – the task can seem a little less daunting.

Once again, Ceasar produced a heroic display, saving two penalties to make the difference as Roma won. Playing such a big part in both of the club’s major successes to date exemplifies just how reliable a custodian she is.

The pressure could easily have been felt, but not for Ceasar, who admitted afterwards to even enjoying it, knowing that she had, in her own words, “nothing to lose”.

Nothing to lose, but everything to gain – and Roma have gained the second trophy of their existence in women’s football.

Beyond its intrinsic value, this success could have a profound impact on their mission of disrupting the dominance Juventus have enjoyed over the past five years – a task Spugna may have been referring to when he said Roma are “trying to do something extraordinary” in the aftermath of their win.

Perhaps it could even signal the start of a transition from being the best of the rest, so to speak, to a team capable of being Juventus’ equal.

Of course, Roma went into the game knowing they sat above Juventus – and everyone else – in the Serie A table. Perhaps this season more than ever, there is optimism that the Giallorosse can challenge for the league title.

But that challenge will be a tough one to preserve, especially with a new format awaiting after every opponent has been faced twice, by which the top five will have to take on all their closest rivals in games that are guaranteed to be decided by fine margins for the right to be crowned champions.

Hence, overcoming a side like Juventus – especially after a game in which they had less possession and shots, although the balance was close and a draw was the fair result in normal time – can serve as a crucial mid-season psychological boost, reminding the squad of their abilities to achieve positive results against other teams that are so accustomed to enjoying their own successes.

This is now Roma’s level too.

The next step might be to win events like this within the scheduled 90 minutes, but the longevity of Roma’s mental fortitude is only a positive.

Maybe the confidence generated from the performances in the Champions League could be a factor behind the team’s constant growth in mentality, which came through again. In Europe, they have been going into games against strong sides with little margin for error, and have been standing up to the challenge so far.

Likewise, they knew it was all or nothing against Juventus, and replicated their ability to approach these tough tasks with self-belief.

Representing something of a beneficial cycle, it has already allowed Roma to reverse former trends against Juventus and clinch their target.

Previous results against Juventus have often generated frustration, even after positive performances. Last season’s Coppa Italia final is just one example, but by experiencing the other side this time, Roma can firmly put all that behind them and approach future challenges with even more conviction.

Furthermore, the timing of the Supercoppa win itself, directly preceding a short break in the league, has given Roma the chance to reflect on their achievement – and how they can preserve their momentum in their efforts to stay above Juventus and everyone else in the league for as long as possible.

Their awareness of their own evolving strengths, both technical and mental, and now shining through on the biggest occasions, should only be reinforced by such a success.

Much like Juventus themselves traditionally, the most successful teams are those who have the habit of winning when it matters most. With this Supercoppa success, Roma have taken a strong step towards proving they have acquired that ability as well.

It can only provide more fuel to their quest of establishing themselves towards the top of the Italian game – but for now, is something to celebrate and enjoy for its own worth.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1