Juventus Women's 2019 continues on the right foot, after the Bianconere's victory away to Tavagnacco, Juve also repeated the feat today against Florentia, earning their first home victory of the New Year.
Juve took the lead early on in the ninth minute through an own-goal from Tamar Dongus. Cristiana Girelli's header five minutes from time doubled the lead, with Valentia Cernoia's penalty in stoppage time putting the game beyond any doubt, in a match that was controlled largely from start to finish by Rita Guarino's girls. The win allows Juventus Women to continue their march at the top of the Serie A standings.
The Bianconere came flying out of the blocks quickly, with Barbara Bonansea hitting the post after just 10 minutes of play. However, one minute later Juve would get the ball into the back of the net, a great cross from the left by Lisa Boattin in towards Eniola Aluko saw Florentia's Dongus intervene and in the process, divert the ball into her own net and make it 1-0 to the Bianconere.
Juventus Women remained in control of the match throughout the first half, going close to doubling their lead on two occasions in particular. The first fell to Girelli, who had an effort go wide of the goal by inches, and the second chance came from Bonansea, who's powerful shot was only kept out thanks to great reflexes from the visitor's goalkeeper, Chiara Marchitelli.
The Bianconere's continued their dominance in the second half, with Ariana Caruso almost scoring in the opening five minutes, only to see her effort chalked off for offside. Florentia had the crossbar come to their rescue to deny Aurora Galli in the 70th minutes. The second goal finally came in the 85th minute when Girelli headed in Cernoia's corner. The Bianconere winger would leave her own mark on the match, as she added a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time, after Bonansea was brought down in the box, leading also to Maria Filangeri and Serena Ceci being shown their marching orders.
MATCH REACTION
Rita Guarino: "We saw most of the ball throughout the game with so much possession, but we weren't very clinical in front of goal - explained the coach at the end of the match - so the game could have been different, but fortunately we managed to close it out."
Cristiana Girelli: "From here, all the games will be like finals - said the Juventus striker - we must have the right mentality to stay ahead, a mentality that is Juventus. It's a period in which we feel good and are enjoying ourselves, and it's no coincidence that results and goals are coming."