On February 2, 2025, Juventus Women faced off against bottom-placed Napoli on Matchday 17 of the Women’s Serie A, ending the match with both teams sharing points from a 1-1 draw at Juventus's home ground. The result holds significant importance for Juventus as they strive to maintain their position at the top of the league, but it also shines a light on some areas requiring attention moving forward.
Coach Massimiliano Canzi, reflecting on the match during the post-game press conference, noted the team’s mixed performance. "What I take away from today is our spirit and desire to do well, except perhaps the first 10 minutes when we lost a lot of second balls, arriving late to challenges: then we grew..." he explained, acknowledging how the team adjusted and began to fix their tactical issues as the game progressed.
Despite the draw, Canzi stated, “We take a 1-1 draw which is not a result to throw away, but having so many chances and not taking them must require our attention so we remain focused.” His comments reflect the overall mood of the team, hinting at the realization within the squad about the need to convert scoring opportunities. Juventus managed to create numerous chances, yet struggled with their finishing, which has become evident during recent performances.
Juventus has, as Canzi pointed out, been facing challenges of late, with the results reflecting their dip from their optimal performance level. His determination shines through as he emphasizes the need to keep spirits high and remain focused. "The tactical level of the league has risen a lot, so there are no easy games for anyone," he remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of the Women’s Serie A.
Martina Rosucci, who also spoke after the match, concurred with the coach’s assessment of their performance. "We lacked something in the final third because we created a lot, conceding little... I'm sorry because, in my opinion, it was still a good performance: we just weren’t clinical enough,” she stated. Rosucci's comments shed light on the team dynamics, emphasizing the need for cohesion and effectiveness during matches.
Rosucci also alluded to the integration of new players within the squad. "The two new girls are fitting in well, they are showing their qualities...certainly settling is difficult, they are continuing their journeys well,” she noted, showcasing optimism about building team chemistry. She believes the squad collectively possesses competency to compete effectively, aligning with Canzi’s vision for the team’s potential.
While the draw against Napoli might seem like a setback for Juventus Women, both the coach and Rosucci are committed to pushing forward, recognizing the need to improve on their finishing to avoid losing points against teams they are expected to dominate.
Moving forward, Juventus Women will integrate this experience as they focus on refining their skills and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, with the determined mindset of their coach and players reflecting their commitment to their league standing. Keeping their spirits high, they hope to convert resilience and tactical adjustments made during matches like these to drive future successes.
Juventus Women’s performance against Napoli serves as both a wake-up call and an opportunity for growth as they aim to return to their championship-winning form. Throughout the remainder of the season, the focus will be on honing their play to not just create chances but to convert them consistently, ensuring their authority at the top of the league remains intact.