Juventus Women got back to winning ways in Campania on Sunday, thanks to a display of real character and a come-from-behind victory that keeps them in second spot in the league standings.
THE MATCH
Joe Montemurro's side had the better of the early going against Pomigliano, with Cristiana Girelli forcing Sara Cetinja into two good stops in the first 10 minutes before firing just wide from a good position on 23 minutes, but they failed to make their superiority count.
Against the run of play, Zhanna Ferrario put the hosts in front on 26 minutes, winning the ball back high up the pitch before dinking over an on-rushing Roberta Aprile. Unflustered by the sucker punch, Juventus were back on level terms just three minutes later, as Sofia Cantore pounced on a poor clearance from the Pomigliano keeper to equalise.
The rest of the half was balanced and played at a more frenetic pace, but Juventus were unable to get their noses in front before the interval.
In the second half, the visitors came out with renewed impetus. Cecilia Salvai and Martina Lenzini were thwarted as they tried to work a goal-scoring opportunity from a corner on 56 minutes, before Lineth Beerensteyn failed to make sufficient contact on Salvai's ball to send it into the net. However, the crucial second goal came just moments later, and it was the Dutch forward who struck, applying the finish after some excellent work from Julia Grosso.
A reaction was to be expected from the home side and it came through Ana Lucía Martínez, who crossed dangerously from the right after some impressive solo work. Grosso again made a vital contribution, this time in defence, as she managed to get the ball clear.
In a bid to keep their lead intact, Juventus sought to slow proceedings in the final fraction of the game, but there was time for Alice Corelli to give the visitors a final scare, hitting the woodwork at the start of injury time.
POMIGLIANO 1-2 JUVENTUS
Scorers: 26’ Ferrario (P), 28’ Cantore (J), 59’ Beerensteyn (J)
Pomigliano: Cetinja, Apicella (70’ Novellino), Fusini, Passeri, Gallazzi (76’ Bragonzi), Amorim Dias (59’ Corelli), Das Neves, Golob, Martinez M., Battelani (59’ Di Giammarino), Ferrario. Subs not used: Fierro, Rabot, Rizza, Sangarè, Caiazzo. Coach: Carlo Sanchez.
Juventus: Aprile, Gama, Sembrant, Salvai (55’ Rosucci), Lenzini, Boattin, Pedersen, Grosso (76’ Cernoia), Cantore (76’ Caruso), Girelli, Beerensteyn (76’ Bonfantini). Subs not used: Lundorf, Schatzer, Moretti, Forcinella. Coach: Joseph Montemurro
Referee: Giorgio Di Cicco