Echoes from Europe brings you the latest from Italy’s top women’s clubs in continental action. Roma, Juventus, and Inter were all chasing glory in their European fixtures – but not every side managed to hit the target. What to take from the matches played?
ECHOES FROM EUROPE, THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND THE EUROPA CUP
AS Roma
AS Roma suffered another setback in the capital, falling to Vålerenga and edging closer to an early exit from European competition. The Giallorosse started brightly, but as the Norwegian side grew into the game and gained momentum, Roma struggled to create clear chances and lost control of the midfield battle.
The decisive goal sealed their fate, with Pilgrim and Viens showing flashes of danger only in the closing minutes of the first half. In the second, Giallorosse failed to produce any clean shots on target. This marks their third defeat in as many games. The attack has been silent since the 35th minute of their opening match against Real Madrid – 251 minutes without scoring – and the defense continues to leak goals. Unless something changes quickly, the playoffs will remain out of reach.
FC Inter
FC Inter lost 1–0 to BK Häcken in a match where the gap between the Italians and the Swedes wasn’t as wide as it might have seemed. However, when the yellow-and-blacks pushed forward, Inter’s defense showed signs of struggle. Tindell was superb, as was Bergström, and the two created numerous chances that could have easily been converted.
Rúnarsdóttir handled most of the threats well, but her mistake in the 4th minute was enough to hand the win to the opponents. The Nerazzurre’s attacks lacked precision and clinical edge, and their only real chance was brilliantly denied by Falk’s foot. There’s still everything to play for in the second leg, but a step forward will be needed.
Juventus FC
Juventus was the only team to secure three points across all competitions, making it a successful night for them. Still, if Emma Stølen Godø had not converted a free kick into a goal right before halftime, we might have been talking about another tough match, as the Bianconere struggled to create chances and looked vulnerable when Atlético attacked. However, that goal drastically changed the course of the evening. With Colchoneras unable to break through the defense, Juventus remained clinical enough to beat Lola Gallardo and claim the three points.
