05 September 2021
The first big clash of the season for Juventus Women certainly went according to plan, as the team racked up a second league win on the bounce. Joe Montemurro’s charges have made an excellent start to the campaign and this 3-0 success is the perfect preparation for the return leg at home to Vllaznia on Thursday, when a maiden berth in the Champions League group stage will be at stake. Juve showcased their abundance of quality, defensive solidity and talent in what turned into a comfortable victory at a difficult ground.
It was not a ride in the park from start to finish for the Bianconere at the Franchi against a team that is always in contention to win Serie A. While the first 30 minutes were relatively even, Montemurro will no doubt be pleased by the way the team developed as the game wore on.
Barbara Bonansea was unable to finish off Valentina Cernoia’s pass on the half hour, while the latter’s free-kick was well saved by former Juve shotstopper Sabrina Tasselli just four minutes later.
The seemingly inevitable goal did arrive in the 37th minute thanks to some fine footwork by Bonansea as Juve went in 1-0 to the good at the break.
Fiorentina valiantly endeavoured to battle back into the contest at the start of the second half, but the outstanding Bonansea all but put the game to bed in the 75th minute after an assist by Cernoia, who added gloss to the scoreline herself in the 87th minute with a stunning free-kick.
Montemurro: “Credit to Fiorentina, who forced us to be fully focused. I expected a tough game, but we’re pleased. Our targets are obviously linked to winning and our style of play. We’re looking for a precise footballing identity. It’s key for us to reach the Champions League group stage on Thursday and it would also be important for Italian football to have a representative at the very highest level in Europe. We’ll do all we can to win.”
