As Roma’s men continue their international break, the women’s team return from theirs, looking to pick up a first home win of the season.
With the season still just two games old, Roma find themselves having won once – in their most recent fixture, against Fiorentina – and lost once (in the opener against Milan). The win in Florence showed that progress is being made by the squad, who had not beaten La Viola in four previous attempts. Now, all eyes will be on Stadio Tre Fontane again as Roma return home.
The visitors will be a side who were promoted from Serie B last term, Empoli. Coach Betty Bavagnoli is cautious not to take them too lightly, though, telling the club website: “I have asked my girls not to make the error of underestimating Empoli, because we come up against a team with zero points in the table. That for me is a false table because Empoli is a team that plays well and we will face them with the right attitude to go and impose our game.”
Early team news indicates that Camelia Ceasar – who saved a penalty on her debut against Fiorentina – will retain her place in goal, with Rosalia Pipitone out injured. Maria Zecca and Heden Corrado are also ruled out, but Manuela Giugliano – who was a doubt after picking up a knock in an Italy game – has been passed fit to make the squad.
She is likely to be joined in midfield by Giada Greggi, who made her senior Italy debut during the latest round of international fixtures. Buoyed by that unforgettable experience, the Rome-born teenager will be hoping for a happy homecoming as the team returns to play in front of their home crowd.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 2pm UK time, and will be shown live via the club’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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