Roma Women will play the most important game of the last three years on Sunday as they contest the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus.
Holding a well-earned 2-1 advantage from the first leg, Roma are 90 minutes away from a first-ever cup final. However, to get there, they will need to match the huge performance they put in last month.
Both clubs have won all three of their league games since the first leg and go into this game in strong form. Juventus are in contention to win the Serie A title, whereas Roma have a stronghold on fourth and now have their full focus on the cup.
Away goals count in the Coppa Italia, so if Juventus score, Roma will need to as well. But if they can avoid defeat in Turin for the first time ever, the final will await.
In the buildup to the game, there have been reports speculating that coach Betty Bavagnoli will be promoted to a more senior role next season, making way for a new coach. If these are to be the final few weeks of her tenure, winning a first piece of silverware would be a fitting way to go out.
But before Roma can think of the final, they must get the job done again in the second leg. Visiting Juventus is never easy, although their last trip there for the Supercoppa Italiana in January showed they can compete. They drew that game in 90 minutes and if they can repeat that, they will make it to the final.
Roma will be hoping to get Andressa Alves back in action after she returned to the squad, although the Brazilian is still not at 100 per cent. Therefore, a midfield three of Vanessa Bernauer, Claudia Ciccotti and Manuela Giugliano may be more likely.
There is also the long-awaited return to the squad for Giada Greggi, who is back after an ACL injury. The chances of her playing are slim but it is at least promising to see her back in contention.
Rachele Baldi remains out, so first-choice Camelia Ceasar will continue in goal as expected anyway. Elsewhere, there are no new concerns for Bavagnoli.
While Juventus are always difficult to visit, Roma have only ever lost one of their eight away games against other teams in the Coppa Italia. With their eyes on the prize, they should go into the game with the same spirit they showed in the reverse fixture.
If they can get an early goal like they did in that game, it would surely help settle the nerves. But whichever way they do it, the task is simple – ensure Juventus don’t score more goals than them, and Roma will be through.
It will be another huge test but Roma are ready to show what they are capable of.
The game kicks off at 11:30am UK time and will be available for subscribers to watch live on Roma TV+.
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