28 April 2019
Following #HERE2STAY, it now becomes a remarkable double for Rita Guarino’s girls this season after the Bianconere beat Fiorentina 2-0 thanks to an early header from Petronella Ekroth and a stunning strike from Valentina Cernoia in the first half.
The match began with a high tempo and Fiorentina tried to create a couple of early chances, however the Juve defence held strong to resist the danger. It appeared to be the spark to ignite the Bianconere, as after just eight minutes a cross to the back post from Valentina Cernoia via a short corner was headed across goal by Cristiana Girelli, and just like against Verona, Petronella Ekroth was there to head home and give Juventus Women the lead.
Fiorentina attempted to fight back and on 15 minutes, Ilaria Mauro found herself one-on-one in the box, but Laura Giuliani was able to come out well and get a vital touch on the ball to take it away from goal. Eniola Aluko went close up the other end with the England international taking a strong strike at goal from a tight angle that required goalkeeper, Stephanie Ohrstrom to get a touch to it.
After Giuliani was alert to palm away a Fiorentina strike, Juventus Women doubled their lead with a thunderbolt from Valentina Cernoia. The Bianconere number seven cut inwards far-out to the left of the goal and unleashed an unstoppable effort that crashed into the back of the net.
Into the second half, La Viola started bright attempting to get back in the match but the Bianconere held firm and looked to strike on the counter. Once more Giuliani was again on hand to deny Fiorentina on 55 minutes, Tatiana Bonetti got into the box and from a tight angle, the Bianconere number one was able to tip over the bar. However, Juve's keeper could do nothing to keep out Bonetti's header from Mauro's cross 15 minutes from time to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Despite the goal, Juventus Women were able to hang on and claim a fantastic and historic double with the Coppa Italia being lifted on the Tardini turf, one week after the teams's Scudetto success!!
