Roma Women are looking for their first win of 2020-21 when they host Pink Bari on Sunday.
After drawing at Sassuolo in their season opener, Roma now have their first home game of the new campaign. However, it will be in slightly different surroundings to usual; instead of playing at Stadio Tre Fontane, the match will take place on Campo Agostino Di Bartolomei at the club’s Trigoria training ground.
The opponents are Pink Bari, a side they have never lost to in four previous meetings. Most recently, Roma won 3-0 against them in their first game of 2020, having also seen them off after extra-time in the Coppa Italia in December.
Roma are unlikely to make too many changes from the side that took to the field against Sassuolo. Summer signing Osinachi Ohale is not in the squad, as she has been building up experience with the Under-19s first. Therefore, Allyson Swaby and Tecla Pettenuzzo should be the starting defenders.
Up front, Paloma Lazaro made an instant impression on her debut last week. After scoring just 20 minutes into her first game, she should lead the line again.
A second chance to make a good first impression... 💪
— AS Roma Women (@ASRomaWomen) August 29, 2020
Coach Betty Bavagnoli on preparations for tomorrow’s game against Pink Bari. 💬#ASRomaWomen #ASRoma
pic.twitter.com/VkXhYk1OKE
Opponents Bari narrowly avoided relegation last season, but Roma are not underestimating them. Indeed, Bari didn’t make life easy for the Giallorosse in their Coppa Italia meeting last season. Hence, coach Betty Bavagnoli has admitted she isn’t expecting an easy game.
Nonetheless, she hopes her players bounce back from last week’s draw.
“I expect a tough game,” she told Roma TV, “and I also expect a reaction from my players – after a week where we have prepared every aspect.
“I hope it’s a good game on Sunday, both to play in and to watch, and we show all the spirit and determination that we will need to have.”
The game kicks off at 4:45pm UK time. Fans outside Italy can watch it on Twitter or Roma TV+.
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