06 February 2021
Juventus Women ran out 3-0 winners in their second of three-straight Empoli fixtures! Thanks to a brace from Cristiana Girelli brace and a Lina Hurtig goal, in what was the Bianconere’s 100 match since their inception in 2017.
It was a slow-paced and tentative start to the game, with the first real chance coming on 24 minutes. Cristiana Girelli’s long-ball up towards Barabara Bonansea was brilliantly controlled by the Bianconera and her shot from a tight angle blasted against the bar. It was a warning for the hosts of things to come, as just four minutes later Girelli picked up the ball on the edge of the box to expertly turn, shoot and score all in a deft movement that gave the Bianconere a deserved 1-0 lead.
Five minutes before the half, Annahita Zamanian almost made it two with a spectacular solo effort, as she twisted and turned in the box with her shot forcing a great save from opposing goalkeeper, Alessia Cappelletti.
There were two great efforts from both sides at the end of the first half that could have swung the game in either side’s favour. First Empoli tried to respond through Norma Cinotti’s strike but Laura Giuliani was able to save well, then at the other end Zamanian was found free in the box but her shot was just blocked once more by Cappelletti to stop Juve from gaining a two-goal advantage before the break.
On 57 minutes Rita Guarino’s girls doubled their advantage. A smart ball into the box from the right from Bonansea evaded everyone except for the feet of Lina Hurtig and the Swede was able to turn home. Minutes later and Juve made it three with almost a carbon copy of Hurtig’s goal, except this time it was Girelli to score from Bonansea’s ball, that made it a hat-trick of assists for the no. 11.
Despite Empoli’s attempts to rally the Bianconere were in complete control until the final whistle to hand Juve yet another win to keep the 100% record going on their 100th game!
