Keys to Victory: Glionna delivers in Glasgow

Roma Women made a winning start to their first ever Champions League campaign by beating Glasgow City 3-1 on Thursday.

Benedetta Glionna scored a brace either side of a Moeka Minami own goal, before setting one up for Paloma Lazaro to round off the first European win in the setup’s history.

Now, a final against Paris FC on Sunday - still in Glasgow - separates them from a place in the next round.

Key Player

Prior to Thursday, Benedetta Glionna had never started a Champions League match, only making one substitute appearance for Juventus in the competition back in 2018.

But the winger put in a standout performance to inspire Roma to an inaugural triumph, showing maturity and decisiveness.

Her first goal demonstrated her determination, as she drove in from the right wing before finishing. It was as if she was refusing to acknowledge any opponents as obstacles. There was a bit of help from the post in getting the ball over the line, but Glionna had certainly earned the goal.

Then, her second was a carefully controlled, first-time finish across the keeper, rounding off a quick move she had sparked herself after cutting in from a wide area. Glionna reacted well to how the action developed and gave Roma control of the tie again.

She could have gone for a hat-trick, but it spoke volumes of her functionality in the side that she selflessly set up Lazaro for the final goal. It demonstrated her awareness and intelligence, as she returned the favour for Lazaro’s assist for her second goal.

Key Moment

That last goal was perhaps the most important of the night. In the first half, after going 1-0 up, Roma continued to create chances, but ultimately allowed the hosts to settle a bit too much before the interval, which left the tie in the balance at that stage.

After going ahead for a second time, though, there was to be no repeat, in an early sign of the team’s developing mentality on this new stage.

As the final stages approached, Roma knew they had to maintain their advantage. The timing of the goal that opened up a cushion of two for the first time was crucial.

Once Lazaro had put the ball in the net to make it 3-1 with around 10 minutes left, there was a stronger sense of certainty that Roma would hold on to the positive result – which, of course, they did.

Key Decision

As stated, Lazaro had a significant impact in both of the goals that took the game away from Glasgow City - which makes Alessandro Spugna’s decision to bring her on for Valentina Giacinti in the second half look like an inspired call.

Giacinti is a statement signing for Roma this summer, but even for a player of her pedigree, it will take time to settle in. Therefore, Spugna switching her out after 54 minutes for a striker more familiar to most of her teammates, Lazaro, was a sensible option for how the game was flowing.

Lazaro, setting out on her third season with Roma, brought some composure to the frontline in her cameo. Her own decision-making was exemplary, as seen with her well-weighted assist for Glionna and simple finish when the favour was returned.

Of course, Roma have improved their attacking options with the addition of Giacinti, from whom big things will be expected. But Lazaro is certainly the kind of player who can keep her on her toes - and showed exactly why in Scotland.

Key Fact

This was uncharted territory for Roma as a club, although they could rely on several players who had experienced such a stage before to help them through.

Still, there were Champions League debuts for Giada Greggi, Lucia Di Guglielmo and Moeka Minami as starters, and Norma Cinotti as a substitute. The latter pair were also making their first Roma appearances altogether since summer transfers to the club.

It means that now – however further this adventure goes – practically all of Roma’s senior squad members have at least some experience on the European stage.

The newcomers to the competition acclimatised themselves with varying success. Greggi was possibly the quickest to adapt, helping Roma control the midfield proceedings alongside the more senior Manuela Giugliano and Andressa Alves.

But the experience will have been beneficial to all the players, whether new to the Champions League or with experience of it beforehand. All will be hoping it works in their favour ahead of another big challenge on Sunday.

Follow Samuel Bannister on Twitter: @SamBanno1