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The Giallorosse, knowing that just avoiding defeat would be enough for them to clinch their place in the knockout stages, overcome a rain-interrupted start to the contest in Latina to romp to victory, scoring four goals in the final 10 minutes to delight the fans in attendance.
“It’s a deserved reward for all the hard work from everyone that works with the team,” said coach Alessandro Spugna.
“Ít’s an historic achievement, I think it’s the first time a debutant in the competition has made it to the knockout stages. It’s been a beautiful journey so far.”
After heavy rain forced play to be suspended for more than an hour after just seven minutes of action, Spugna’s side came back out for the restart and immediately took control of the contest.
They were rewarded soon after, as Annamaria Serturini broke the deadlock with a trademark line-breaking run and finish.
But it was only in the second half that Roma put the game to bed and secured the result they needed, as Valentina Giacinti’s solo run and finish was swept home on the line by substitute Benedetta Glionna with 10 minutes remaining to start the party.
Manuela Giugliano then delivered a pair of close-range finishes in as many minutes to widen the margin of victory, before Glionna ensured she would be on the scoresheet one way or another with an incisive finish of her own.
“It’s a historic moment for the club, for us. We are really delighted to have gone through,” said Glionna.
“When I came on I wanted to make an impact, and we were able to do that, and I’m really pleased for the team.”
The Giallorosse will find out their quarter-final opponents in February; before that, they have a final group game against Slavia Prague next Thursday.
See more photos from the game in our gallery below!
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