Bavagnoli: No additional motivation needed against Juve

Betty Bavagnoli knows Roma Women have plenty to work on right now – but hopes Saturday’s game against Juventus will prove the perfect spark to ignite their season.

Last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Florentia San Gimignano was symptomatic of the Giallorosse’s recent form, as they were held to a draw despite creating countless gilt-edged chances at Stadio Tre Fontane.

A string of dropped points in recent weeks means the side are desperately searching for a win to restore confidence and momentum as 2020 comes to an end.

“Recently we’ve had a few different games that haven’t finished the way we’ve wanted and haven’t allowed us to go away completely happen – or even sent us away annoyed,” Bavagnoli told Roma TV.

“So this has been an important week for us in terms of analysing all that. As we always do, we’ve tried to really understand what mistakes we are making and where we are going wrong – because even if we do so many things well, which means we are generally putting in good performances, in the end what matters in football is getting the three points.

“And we haven’t been doing that recently, so this week has been interesting and engaging because we’ve taken that analysis seriously, along with all the players. I am convinced the girls will respond on the pitch [on Saturday].”

It will be far from easy at Vinnovo, however, with Juventus setting the pace once again as they look to defend the title they also won last season.

“I don’t think you need any motivation ahead of a game against Juventus,” Bavagnoli said.

“We all know how important Saturday’s game is. We are not just going up against the side that are top of the table, but a side that has set the standard in women’s football in recent years. They are a squad made up of top class players.

“They have incredible quality, they have incredible character and that makes them a top, top side – but my players know all that and they don’t need to be reminded of that to be fired up for the game.

“We are focused, we’ve worked hard in training, so now we need to go there and go up against Juventus with the same desire as always – and hopefully find a way to convert a few more of the chances we are creating in every game.”

The game against the Bianconere gets underway at 12:30 CET, and will be shown live on Roma TV+.