On April 18, 2025, the Juventus Women faced off against AC Milan at the "Pozzo - La Marmora" stadium in Biella, in a match that could secure the Scudetto for the bianconere. With kickoff set for 17:30, the stakes were high for both teams as they entered the seventh day of the Poule Scudetto, the second phase of the Serie A Femminile.
Juventus Women, under the guidance of coach Massimiliano Canzi, lined up with a 3-5-2 formation featuring Peyraud-Magnin in goal, supported by Calligaris, Kullberg, and Harviken in defense. The midfield was bolstered by Thomas, Brighton, Schatzer, and Stolen Godo, while Cantore and Girelli led the attack. Milan, coached by Suzanne Bakker, opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Fedele in goal, a backline consisting of Koivisto, Sorelli, Piga, and Soffia, and a forward trio of Renzotti, Ijeh, and Dompig.
Leading up to the match, Lisa Boattin spoke about the importance of the game, stating, "We are aware that with a victory we would win the Scudetto, but today we face another great opponent. Milan is the team in the best form at the moment, both physically and mentally. They have played a high-level Poule Scudetto in terms of performance and results. For us, it will be essential not to underestimate the match and to be focused from the first minute because the championship is not yet closed. We know the importance of today's game, but we also knew how important last week's match against Roma was. We were coming off some negative results, we wanted the victory badly, and we managed to achieve it. Today we are also hunting for three points.
Historically, Juventus has had the upper hand in Serie A encounters against Milan, boasting 10 wins, 3 draws, and only 3 losses out of 16 matches. The last meeting on March 9 ended in a 2-2 draw, breaking a long streak of victories for Juventus. However, Milan has struggled in recent visits to Turin, having lost their last three away matches against Juventus.
Juventus entered the match with renewed confidence following a 2-1 victory over Roma in their previous outing. This win not only lifted their spirits but also positioned them just a step away from clinching the title. The team was determined to capitalize on their momentum and secure their sixth national title, which would tie them with Torres for the most championships in the three-point era.
The match began with both teams exchanging early chances, but it was Juventus who took the lead in stoppage time of the first half. Girelli was brought down in the box by Sorelli, earning Juventus a penalty. Girelli confidently converted the spot-kick, placing it past Fedele to give her team a crucial 1-0 lead at 45'+1.
As the second half unfolded, Milan pressed for an equalizer, but Juventus's defense held strong. Kullberg made a critical save, blocking a close-range shot from Ijeh, showcasing her defensive prowess. Juventus continued to create opportunities, with Girelli and Cantore both coming close to extending the lead.
In the 82nd minute, Girelli struck again, sealing the match for Juventus with her second goal. This brace not only secured a 2-0 victory for the bianconere but also ensured they would be crowned champions of Italy once more. The final whistle blew at 45'+4, confirming Juventus Women as the champions of the 2024/2025 Serie A Femminile.
Rating performances from the match were released shortly after, with Girelli earning the highest score of 8 for her two goals. Boattin also impressed, receiving a 7.5 rating for her overall contribution. Kullberg's defensive efforts were pivotal, earning her a 7 rating, while coach Canzi was rated 8 for his tactical acumen in guiding the team to victory.
After the match, Canzi reflected on the team's journey, stating, "We knew that another setback could be very damaging, and the players were even better in how they approached the match, doing exactly what they had prepared. The victory over Roma was a testament to our strength and unity, and today we showed that we are back on top of Italian football."
This victory marks a significant moment for Juventus Women, as they reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Italian women's football after a brief hiatus. The triumph not only highlights their dominance in the league but also sets the stage for future ambitions, particularly in European competitions.
As celebrations erupted on the pitch, the bianconere embraced their fans, who had shown unwavering support throughout the season. The atmosphere was electric, with players and supporters alike reveling in the glory of their hard-fought championship.
Looking ahead, Juventus Women will aim to build on this success and continue their pursuit of excellence in both domestic and international arenas. With a strong foundation and a winning mentality, the future looks bright for this talented squad.
