Two goals in the first half and a third goal in the 90th minute was enough to get the better of Inter at Vinovo. The Juventus Women shared the spoils in an exciting Derby d'Italia, in the knowledge that all three points could have been theirs.
CANTORE AND BEERENSTYN OPEN THE SCORING
The Bianconere faced their past in the shape of former-coach Rita Guarino, now at the helm of Inter, and took control of the present with a sweeping start to the game.
In the 13th minute, Sofia Cantore was sent through by Arianna Caruso. The striker rounded the Nerazzurre goalkeeper to place the ball into the net. Not content with the opening goal, Juventus continued to press and came close to adding a second again through Cantore and Amanda Nilden.
The second goal duly arrived in 35', after a solo run from Lineth Beerenstyn.
Inter, for their part, did not let their heads drop, and came close with Tatania Bonetti and Ghoutia Karchouni - a sign of what was to come after the break.
NAIL-BITING FINALE
Just two minutes after the restart, Inter found the goal they had been looking for. Scorer Tabitha Chawinga added her second of the match just 13 minutes later after having already come close after a solo run.
Half an hour to play and the game was tied 2-2. Joe Montemurro brought on fresh legs, the intense afternoon heat had taken its toll, to turn the momentum back in the Bianconere's favour. With time running out it appeared that it would finish in a stalemate - indeed that was how it would finish but only after a roller coaster finale, with Juve down to 10 after the sending off of Linda Sembrant.
In the final minute of normal time, Cristiana Girelli was found inside the area by Valantina Cernoia, and the number 10 tucked away her chance. However, the Derby d'Italia still had a final plot twist. Three minutes into stoppages, Chawinga picked out Karchouni, whose volley flew into the net.
Juve Women's second league appearance of the season finished with six goals evenly shared with Inter.
JOE MONTEMURRO
"I can only applaud the two teams after a game like this. We have seen six quality goals, which demonstrate just how the level of women's football has increased. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for us, but there was a good reaction from the girls, even in difficult moments. However, there were also spells when it was necessary to show greater maturity. I'm not going to look at the individual mistakes, but the fact remains that we conceded two goals when we were in possession, something we had worked on a lot during the week. Now we are also in a bit of an emergency - it had never happened to me to have my entire centre of defence out. It's a complicated month but we'll go on trying to do the best."
MARTINA ROSUCCI
"The Coach warned us at half-time that the game was not over, but we weren't mature enough. We can't let a two-goal lead slip like that. We need to step up with regards to our maturity. This is a game that must serve as a lesson, to understand once more that football never forgives and that this year especially we have to play every match as if it were a final. As for me - as always, I'm available for whatever Juve needs me to do."
JUVENTUS WOMEN 3-3 INTER WOMEN (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: 9' Cantore (J), 35’ Beerensteyn (J), 46’ & 60’ Chawinga (I), 88’ Girelli (J), 45+3’ Karchouni (I).
Juventus: Peyraud, Nilden (29’ Duljan), Rosucci, Cantore (70’ Bonfantini), Girelli, Boattin, Grosso (83’ Zamanian), Beerensteyn (83’ Lundorf), Caruso, Sembrant, Gunnarsdottir.
Subs not used: Aprile, Forcinella, Salvai, Arcangeli.
Coach: Montemurro
Intern: Durante, Sonstevold, Van Der Gragt (46’ Alborghetti), Karchouni, Bonetti (51’ Polli), Chawinga, Merlo (75’ Robustellini), Pandini (46’ Santi), Jansdottir, Nichout Njoya (81’ Marinelli), Mihashi.
Subs not used: Piazza, Brustia, Foerdos, Colonna.
Coach: Guarino.
Referee: Galipò.
Assistants: Toce, Piazzini.
Bookings: 47’Alborghetti (I), 67’ Nilden (J), 75’ Nchout Njoya (I), 80’ Robustellini (I), 88’ Chiappero (J).
Sending off: 82’ Sembrant.