21 August 2021
Juventus Women’s European adventure continues. The Bianconere overcame Austrian side St Polten with a resounding 4-1 success on the night. Barbara Bonansea bagged a brace, while Cristiana Girelli and Lina Hurtig also managed to get on the scoresheet, as the team showcased all the qualities needed to get the better of their opposition and make a tricky fixture look simple.
THE MATCH
A crucial knockout tie at the start of the campaign left Juventus Women with no room for error against a tough St Polten side. Coach Joe Montemurro stuck with ten of the 11 players that started the comfortable win over Kamenica Sasa, with Tuija Hyyrynen replacing Matilde Lundorf.
It was the Finn herself who started the move that led to Juve’s opener as she picked out Arianna Caruso, who played in the onrushing Bonansea to break the deadlock and trigger joyous scenes among the players.
St Polten did try to get back into the contest, but lacked any cutting edge, while Juve looked to extend their lead. Mateja Zver went close for the Austrian side when her free kick struck the top of the bar on the stroke of half-time in what was otherwise a relatively comfortable first 45 minutes.
Juve were quick out of the blocks in the second half and attempted to take advantage of the fact that St Polten needed to commit players forward and leave space in behind. In the 54th minute, Annahita Zamanian released Bonansea with a first-time pass and the forward made no mistake with a delightful chipped finish.
The goal took the wind out of St Polten’s wavering sails, and the third goal arrived ten minutes later through Girelli after a sublime run by Bonansea. The game was not quite put to bed just yet, however, as St Polten cut the arrears through a fine goal by Stefanie Enzinger in the 66th minute.
While the two-goal lead remained comfortable, the strike did serve as a warning that it was not done and dusted, prompting the Bianconere to remain focused until the end and dig in. Each passing minute took the team closer to the finish line, while Hurtig extinguished all Austrian hopes of a comeback in stoppage time to ensure Juve’s European adventure continues.
It was a special evening for Lisa Boattin, who racked up her 100th appearance for the club, a feat which the whole team congratulated her on at the end of the game.
