On a dramatic evening in Castellammare di Stabia, Juventus Women clinched their place in the Serie A Women's Cup final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter, setting up a tantalizing showdown with Roma. The match, played on September 24, 2025, was packed with action, turning points, and emotional moments—none more so than the much-anticipated return of Estelle Cascarino after nearly ten months away from the pitch due to injury.
The Bianconere, hungry for another shot at silverware, wasted no time asserting themselves. Within the first two minutes, Godo connected with Brighton's free kick, sending a header just wide of the target—a sign of intent that Juventus planned to take control early. By the seventh minute, Cambiaghi was already making her presence felt, breaking away towards goal, only to be halted by Inter's experienced defender Andres.
Inter, however, were not content to sit back. In the 13th minute, Glionna fired a warning shot, narrowly missing the mark. The Nerazzurre’s attacking threat was clear, but Juventus’ defense, marshaled by Lenzini and the ever-reliable De Jong in goal, held firm.
The first half unfolded with both sides probing for an opening. Danger loomed in the 28th minute when Pinto’s cross forced Inter’s goalkeeper Runarsdottir into conceding a corner, and in the 37th minute, Carbeonell rattled the crossbar with a wickedly curling effort. It looked as though the teams would head to halftime deadlocked, but Juventus had other ideas. In the dying moments of the first half, Brighton delivered a pinpoint free kick, and Michela Cambiaghi rose above the defense to power a header into the net. The Bianconere erupted in celebration, taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half began with Juventus on the front foot once again. Just two minutes in, Runarsdottir was called into action, punching away a dangerous cross from Cambiaghi. Inter responded in the 52nd minute with Csiszar’s ambitious left-footed strike from distance, but the effort failed to trouble De Jong.
The match reached a fever pitch after the hour mark. In the 64th minute, Juventus executed a textbook attacking move—Cristiana Girelli, ever the creative force, backheeled the ball to Eva Schatzer at the edge of the box. Schatzer, brimming with confidence, unleashed a precise left-footed shot into the top corner, doubling Juventus’ advantage. Reflecting on her pivotal moment, Schatzer said, “We came here to win this tournament and the first step was to win today. We played very well, even though we struggled in the final few minutes. However, the difficult moments in the game definitely brought us closer together and made us more united. I’m delighted with my first goal of the season and I’m delighted that it helped us win the match. Cristiana Girelli gave me a great ball and I didn’t think twice about shooting.”
The Nerazzurre, however, refused to go quietly. Just three minutes later, in the 67th, Schough beat Kullberg in the box and set up Wullaert, who made no mistake from close range to halve the deficit. The goal injected new life into Inter, who pressed forward relentlessly in search of an equalizer.
Defensive heroics became the order of the day for Juventus. In the 71st minute, Inter threatened again, but the Bianconere’s backline scrambled to clear the danger. Schough, Inter’s lively winger, cut in from the left in the 75th minute and fired just wide. That same minute, the crowd witnessed a heartwarming sight—Estelle Cascarino, sidelined for nearly a year, made her long-awaited return to the field. Coach Massimiliano Canzi couldn’t hide his joy, remarking, “I’m also delighted that Cascarino is back on the pitch after almost ten months out.”
With time running out, Inter threw everything forward. The 85th minute saw Detruyer’s shot blocked on the line by Lenzini—a goal-saving intervention that kept Juventus in front. Moments later, De Jong took center stage. The Dutch goalkeeper produced a string of sensational saves, tipping Wullaert’s dangerous cross over the bar and denying both Csiszar and Merlo in the dying moments. Coach Canzi was effusive in his praise: “I have to congratulate De Jong because her saves were decisive at key moments in the match.”
As the final whistle sounded, Juventus celebrated not just a place in the final, but a gritty, collective performance that showcased their resilience, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance. Canzi summed up the mood in the camp: “It was another tough game today. Inter are an excellent side and played very well. We had a good first half and probably should have capitalised better on the chances we created. We were at risk conceding an equaliser in the last few minutes, but we’re happy to have reached the final.”
The victory sets up a blockbuster final against Roma, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 8:30 pm. The Giallorosse, who have recently changed coach, are expected to provide formidable opposition. Schatzer looked ahead to the challenge, stating, “The final against Roma will be a difficult match, as always. They’ve changed coach, we expect a fit, strong team, it will be a great challenge.” Canzi echoed the sentiment, promising fans a spectacle: “Against Roma, it will be a game where individual battles will make the difference. They are a strong team and we will have to be just as good at not letting them settle into their comfort zone. I’m sure Saturday’s match will be a great spectacle.”
For Juventus Women, the journey to the final has been marked by adversity, determination, and moments of individual brilliance. With Cascarino’s return, De Jong’s heroics, and Schatzer’s breakthrough, the Bianconere look poised for a thrilling contest against Roma. All eyes now turn to Saturday night, where the season’s most coveted trophy awaits—and where the next chapter in Juventus Women’s remarkable campaign will be written.
