24 March 2019
The match started just the way you would expect as our women instantly led the charge against a defensive Sassoulo team. Spurred on after Sunday’s success at Allian Stadium, the first chance of the match fell to Glionna who found herself in an excellent position after just nine minutes of action. Sassuolo keeper, Thalmann was sure to be tested, however a glimpse at the linesman ruled Glionna offside to prevent any threat whatsoever.
The game then turned on its head after 17 minutes of action. After being awarded a corner, it was Sassuolo that went ahead at Maribello Stadium. The Brit, Eilish McSorley scored with a thumping header after perfectly connecting with the in-swinging ball to open the scoring.
It didn’t take long for a reaction as two chances came in quick succession by way of Boattin and Glionna who both almost got on the scoresheet. The first opportunity fell to Boattin who’s left footed attempt from a very tight angle just went over the crossbar. It was only four minutes later on the 27’ minute mark that Glionna’s shot this time bounced off the crossbar to prevent the equalising goal.
As we neared closer to the midway point in the match, Pedersen had arguably the best chance of the first half as her shot from almost point blank range flew wide of Thalmann’s goal. It was then a matter of simply waiting for the half time whistle to regroup and plan an attack for the second period.
The second half started just how we ended the first. It was pure aggression and emotion that powered Juve to early chances as Sassuolo keeper, Thalmann won her one-on-one duel against Bonansea and a right-footed shot from Galli on the edge of the box was also saved by Thalmann.
Fast forward to the 55’ mark and it was Girelli that got the equaliser. Bonansea whipped in an accurate corner kick that ended in a leaping header from Girelli to put us level.
As the match progressed we saw the introduction of Cenoia and Aluko who replaced Glionna and Caruso respectively.
It seemed as though we just wasn’t meant to get the winner as Galli twice hit the crossbar making it three times in total that we had rattled the bar in the match.
As we entered minute 80’ and ten minutes left to play. We could do nothing but put our all into getting the third goal of the afternoon. Alas, as anticipated, it was not to be and it was Sassuolo who countered to stick the ball into our goal from a strike by Tomaselli to put the home side back up.
With virtually the last kick of the game, Girelli found herself in a brilliant position to get the second equaliser. A miss meant that the final whistle blew with the scoreboard reading 2-1 in favour of Sassuolo.
«It was a very tense game, Sassuolo played with a lot of intensity. - comments the Head of Juventus Women, Stefano Braghin – We only had two and a half days to prepare for the match while our opponents had seven. It was a combination of negative factors, which I hope will be reviewed in the future because it is possible that we will play for a championship with the same opportunities.
«Nothing is compromised though - adds Braghin - We continue to have an advantage in the league. We just need to compact ourselves, recover our energy and hope that we’ll return after the international break with healthy players. Congratulations to Sassuolo who, with today's victory, reached fifth place, which I imagine was an important goal of the season for them".»
Serie ASassuolo - Juventus 2-1Goalscorers: 17' McSorley (S), 59' Girelli (J), 90+3 Tomaselli (S)
Sassuolo Women XI: Thalmann; Pettenuzzo, Giatras, Pondini, Iannella, Fishley, Orsi, Tomaselli, Cambiaghi, McSorley, Lenzini
Substitutes: Galloni, Bursi, Monterubbiano, Oliviero, Ferrato, Tudisco, Faragò
Juventus Women XI: Starting XI: Bacic, Sikora, Ekroth, Panzeri, Caruso, Galli, Pedersen, Boattin, Girelli, Bonansea, Glionna
Substitutes: Giuliani, Hyyrynen, Gama, Cernoia, Rosucci, Aluko, Cantore
