22 January 2022
Despite fielding a side decimated by injury and illness, Joe Montemurro’s Juventus Women remain undefeated in Serie A following Saturday afternoon's draw with Fiorentina. Pauline Peyraud Magnin, Lisa Boattin, and Matilde Lundorf joined Sofie Pedersen and Cristiana Girelli on the sidelines, but the Bianconer’s never-say-die spirit pushed the team to recover a two-goal deficit and draw 2-2 with the Viola in Serie A Matchday 13.
TWO GOALS DOWN
The first chance fell to Juventus on 10 minutes. A swift move, started by Barbara Bonansea in her own half, reached the Fiorentina penalty area after a clever exchange between Valentina Cernoia and Martina Rosucci. Amanda Nilden arrived on the overlap, but her left foot shot hit the side netting.
Four minutes later Fiorentina took the lead. Roberta Aprile was put under pressure by Daniela Sabatino. The goalkeeper’s rushed clearance landed at the feet of Valentina Giacinti, who took two touches before lobbing the ball into the empty net.
In the 33rd minute, the visitors increased their advantage. Neto hit a hopeful shot from long range, which Sara Gama diverted into her own net.
Joe Montemurro’s side struggled to respond until the final seconds of first-half stoppage time when Cernoia unleashed a bullet from 20 yards which soared into the top corner. At half time Juventus trailed 2-1.
COMEBACK COMPLETE
The Bianconere quickly set about finding the equaliser. Ten minutes after the restart, Andrea Staskova controlled a cross on her thigh, turned but smashed her close-range volley off the crossbar.
Two minutes later Juventus found the equaliser. Another cross from the right was met first time by Arianna Caruso, whose drilled volley flew past Sabrina Tasselli in the Fiorentina goal.
All square with half an hour still to play.
In the final 10 minutes, Juventus pushed for the winner. Bonansea sped down the left wing. Her cross picked out Agnese Bonfantini, but the substitute’s shot was blocked by Tasselli.
Seconds later, Boansea tried herself, but her shot was covered at the near post by the Fiorentina goalkeeper.
There was no way through the Fiorentina defence for a third time and Juventus’ record of consecutive victories in Serie A was halted at 36 matches.
JUVENTUS 2-2 FIORENTINA (HT: 1-2)
SCORERS: Giacinti (F) 14', Gama (OG) 33', Cernoia (J) 45+2', Caruso (J) 58’
JUVENTUS
Aprile; Hyyrynen, Gama, Lenzini, Nilden; Caruso, Rosucci, Cernoia; Bonansea, Staskova, Hurtig (Bonfantini 74’).
Subs not used: Forcinella, Sembrant, Panzeri, Grosso, Giai, Zamanian.
Coach: Montemurro.
FIORENTINA
Tasselli; Cafferata (Aronsson 64’), Kravets, Breitner (Catena 78’), Vigilucci; Neto (Tortelli 75’), Huchet, Mascarello (Baldi 75’); Boquete; Giacinti, Sabatino.
Subs not used: Schroffenegger, Lundin, Monnecchi, Bartalini, Fortunati.
Coach: Panico.
