There’s no stopping Juventus Women. In what was their first-ever encounter with Serie A newcomers Sampdoria, the Bianconere claimed yet another league victory.
Valentina Cernoia was the matchwinner this time around, striking in the 75th minute to topple a resolute and vigilant Samp. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin went on to make a vital intervention in the hosts' only chance of the game. The visitors once again showed themselves to be adept at game management, even when space and chances were at a premium. Juve now set their signs on their UEFA Women's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg at Allianz Stadium (tickets available here).
Joe Montemurro was keen to point out in the lead-up to the match that coming away from Sampdoria with points in the bag would be no walk in the park, that it would be as demanding as any other Serie A match. The hosts came into the game on the back of three wins and as many clean sheets on the bounce, and their defensive solidity was apparent from the offset. Antonio Cincotta’s side had a clear approach: keep it compact and not allow Juventus to play their game.
They largely succeeded in this regard, and it wasn’t until the 16th minute that Juve got their first chance through a lively Agnese Bonfantini on the right. However, Samp goalkeeper Selena Delia Babb was quick to intervene before the ball made its way to Arianna Caruso.
Andrea Staskova had the best goalscoring opportunity of the first half in the 34th minute: after being played in by Lina Hurtig she fizzed an effort just past Babb’s left post.
The teams headed into the dressing rooms for the half time break with the game still all-square and the hosts successfully containing Juve’s threat.
The second half was a continuation of what had come before, with the visitors exerting more and more pressure on Samp. Arianna Caruso failed to find the net with a spectacular effort in the 52nd minute, and as the clock ticked down Juve’s patience was put to the test.
However, the breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute following lovely work by Amanda Nilden and Cernoia, with the latter slotting home after some neat passing on the edge of the box.
Juventus came close to doubling their lead through substitute Cristiana Girelli, and coach Montemurro gave some game time to teenagers Elisa Pfattner and Chiara Beccari, who look to be quite the prospects.
However there was to be a late scare for the Bianconere, with Peyraud-Magnin pulling off a smart stop to deny Caterina Bargi.
Juventus head back to Turin with three deserved and vital points, and continue their supremacy at the top of Serie A.