15 November 2023
November's international break for the men's team serves up the opportunity to explore an Iconic Goal of Juventus Women in the build-up to their weekend fixture against Inter Milan. Joe Montemurro's side head into the encounter off the back of three solid points earned at Como, but still sit three adrift of early pace-setters Roma. Sunday's match at a sold-out Pozzo La-Marmora sees second take on fourth, in a match where three points will be vital in the hunt for a spot in the Poule Scudetto phase.
Last season, the Neroazzurre gave all their opponents a hard time, especially in the first part of the championship (they finished in third place in the standings). Yet today we deviate away from previous league encounters and focus on a certain Italian Cup fixture which culminated in a memorable match in Salerno on 4 June 2023. To get to that final against Roma at the Arechi, Juventus had to first face off against Inter in a two-legged semi-final which produced both drama and excitement.
ALL SQUARE
The first leg in Milan ended 1-1 with goals from Julia Grosso and Merlo, with everything to be decided in the second leg at Vinovo on 11 March 2023. The match was played at the same time as the other semi-final between Milan and Roma (won by the Giallorosse), with the tension on the Ale & Ricky pitch palpable. Yet the Bianconere's approach borders on perfection, taking the lead after just 2 minutes with Martina Lenzini collecting the ball down the left and putting in a cross for Sara Gunnarsdottir to head home. Juve tried to double their advantage but Inter held firm, yet still trailed 1-0 at the break.
The second half was a battle, with Inter refusing to give up, and with just seven minutes to go, they levelled matters: Tabitha Chawinga broke through down the center, bearing down on Pauline Peyraud-Magnin who could only deflect the attacker's shot into the back of the net. In injury time, Barbara Bonansea had the chance to net the winner, but over-cooked her shot as the match went into extra time.
Beerensteyn brilliance
With tired legs on the pitch, both defenses were stretched, leaving ample space to attack - the perfect scenario for Juve speedster Lineth Beerensteyn. The Dutch international put on the after-burners as she tore down the left wing, evading the Inter defense after cutting inside and unleashing a fierce strike to give her side the lead once more. An iconic goal with an important outcome - victory in the semi-final, to secure a second successive Coppa Italia final date with Roma. And you already know the end to that story.
