05 December 2020
Juventus Women came from a goal down to see off Napoli on Saturday afternoon and maintain their 100% start to the season.
The Bianconere fell behind shortly before the interval but raised their game in the second half and levelled through Maria Alves, before Cristiana Girelli secured the points from the penalty spot.
Victory means Rita Guarino's girls have now taken 27 points from their first nine games – the perfect fillip going into their Champions League clash with Lyon next week.
BEHIND AT THE BREAK
Newly promoted Napoli started with the bit between their teeth after picking up their first point of the campaign against San Marino last time out. However, the first chance fell to Juventus as Zamanian drew an early save out of Mainguy after being played in by Girelli.
In the 11th minute Bacic was called into action down the other end when she dived at the feet of Errico in the centre of the area.
Juve were welcoming Cecilia Salvai back into the team but struggled to get their usual game going with Napoli's high pressing proving effective.
Indeed it was the home side who took the lead six minutes before the break as Huchet unleashed an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box.
The Bianconere were unable to muster a reaction before the interval and went in trailing by a goal.
MARIA ALVES LEVELS
A completely different Juve side emerged at the start of the second period – which saw Valentina Cernoia replace Zamanian – and Napoli found themselves pegged back trying to hold onto their slender lead.
Bonansea collected Sembrant's lay-off on 51 minutes but couldn't quite hit the target, and was again unable to finish a few minutes later having rounded the keeper.
You could sense the equaliser was only a matter of time, however, and it duly came on the hour mark. Cernoia and Girelli were involved in the build-up of a lovely more before the ball found its way to Maria Alves, all alone in the middle of the box, and she headed Guarino's side level.
GIRELLI AGAIN
The goal gave the Bianconere fresh impetus and they set about competing the turnaround. Girelli shot wide in the 64th minute and chances came and went for Hurtig, Caruso and Cernoia before the pressure finally paid off 10 minutes from time.
Hurtig exchanged passes with Staskova and was brought down as she entered the area: penalty to Juve. Girelli stepped up and coolly converted from 12 yards to seal the win with Juve's 200th goal in Serie A.
