Roma returns to lift the Italian Cup after two defeats in the last two editions, always at the hands of Juve, at the end of an exciting final which saw the Viola go ahead 3-1, come back from a comeback right at the end of the match and then risk to fall in extra time. Severini’s error from eleven meters was decisive after Agard, for Fiorentina, and Sonstevold for Roma had also failed.
QUICK AND RESPONSE – Fiorentina got off to a better start in the Manuzzi final with several actions that originated mainly in the right lane, but which did not turn into scoring opportunities due to a hint of inaccuracy in the last pass. Roma, on the other hand, looks more for maneuvered action, moving the ball from one wing to the other in search of space for Giacinti who, however, is unable to make an impact as usual against his former teammates. And so in the 10th minute the Viola’s lead arrives: a defensive error by Roma with goalkeeper Ceasar who misses a clearance following a back pass from a teammate, the ball ends up at the feet of Hammarlund who doesn’t wait to be asked and puts the ball in the bottom of the bag. Roma’s response was not long in coming with Giacinti, the former player, who evened the score after less than ten minutes by taking advantage of a flying heel from Giugliano to head a Baldi from close range who was trying to avoid trouble with a very risky exit. . The match continues at a lively pace with the two teams challenging each other head-on, but it is Roma who become the most dangerous with Viens and Haavi who, however, miss the target from distance. In the 34th minute, however, Giugliano shoots wide from an excellent position, wasting the possible second goal.
JANOGY BRINGS THE VIOLA BACK FORWARD – The restart of the Italian Women’s Cup final with Roma coming close to scoring on two occasions, but then being hit by Fiorentina with Catena skipping past an opponent and then serving deep into Hammarlund who, instead of shooting once he enters the area, looks in Janogy cuts it halfway and serves it: the Swede makes no mistake from two steps and brings the Viola back ahead. Roma seems to be feeling the pinch and leaves the field to a solid Fiorentina who are hunting for the trio that would virtually close the contest.
BUTTA, RESPONSE AND VIENS AT THE LAST BREATH – Roma tries to respond, also with the substitutions made by Spugna, but it is Fiorentina who strikes again with a lethal verticalization which once again triggers Janogy, who is good and cold to beat Ceasar. There was no time to celebrate and the Giallorossi closed the gap thanks to Minami who was good at inserting herself and putting her foot on a free kick from the left, beating Baldi again. When everything seems to have been decided, Roma, who never die, find the equalizer which takes the match to extra time with Viens taking advantage of a defensive error by the Viola central defenders to score the 3-3 which takes the match to extra time.
SUPPLEMENTARY – In extra time the match continues to be lively and heated with Roma who, on the wings of enthusiasm for the equalizer found at the last minute, prevailed by calling Baldi to make two decisive saves. Fiorentina, on the other hand, seems tired and on their feet although they don’t give up attacking, especially with newcomer Lundin who, however, doesn’t find the right opening to make herself truly dangerous. The best opportunity, however, still falls at the feet of Viens who, however, has the mirror blocked by Baldi on the way out.
PENALTY SEQUENCE
Agard (Fiorentina): Pole
Giugliano (Rome): Goal
Cinotti (Fiorentina): Goal
Linari (Roma): Goal
Boquete (Fiorentina): Goal
Sonstevold (Roma): Save
Longo (Fiorentina): Goal
Valdezade (Roma): Goal
Severini (Fiorentina): Save
Troelsgaard (Roma): Goal