Juventus Women's First Team showcased their dominance on the pitch with a commanding 3-0 victory against Fiorentina during Serie A Matchday 13 on December 15, 2024. The impressive win not only secured three points but also highlighted their capacity to maintain their unbeaten streak within the league.
Under the strategic guidance of coach Massimiliano Canzi, the Bianconere did not waste time establishing their intent. Just nine minutes after the kick-off, they made their first significant move, orchestrated by Amalie Vangsgaard and Sofia Cantore. While Vangsgaard's initial shot went over the goalpost, Juventus continued to press. Several attempts followed, including one from Hanna Bennison who tested Fiorentina's goalkeeper, Cecilie Fiskerstrand, with a well-placed shot, forcing her to tip it over for a corner.
The first half came to a close with neither team managing to break the deadlock, but the signs of Juventus's dominance were evident. Despite the 0-0 score, they controlled possession and territory, keeping Fiorentina on the back foot. Canzi's squad was clearly prepared to exploit any opportunities, which they did swiftly at the start of the second half.
Just two minutes after the break, Juventus launched a breakout led by Chiara Beccari. Her perfect assist set the stage for Cantore to deliver the first goal of the match. Cantore, with precision and power, struck with her right foot, sending the ball past Fiskerstrand without allowing her any chance of saving it. This early goal changed the momentum, not only providing Juventus with the lead but also serving as psychological leverage over the home team.
Fiorentina almost instantaneously sought to reply. A missed opportunity by Agnese Bonfantini less than a minute later could have leveled the scores, but her shot flew high above the goal. This near-miss served as a reminder of the delicate balance teams must navigate between offense and defense.
What followed demonstrated the adage of 'opportunities presenting themselves after missed chances.' Shortly thereafter, Cantore struck again, this time from long distance, finding the bottom corner of the net increasing Juventus's lead to 2-0. Her second goal emphasized her form and instinct as a forward, showcasing not just skill but also the confidence growing within the squad.
While Juventus maintained their structure, they added fresh energy with strategic substitutions, introducing players like Arianna Caruso and Barbara Bonansea who continued to press the Fiorentina defense. The visitors remained calm under pressure, displaying the depth of talent available within their lineup. Bonansea, proving instrumental, would later cap off the scoring.
With just minutes remaining, the highlight of the match came when Bonansea dazzled the crowd by weaving through two Fiorentina defenders to net the third goal, solidifying the win at 3-0. This moment encapsulated the team's strong performance throughout the match and the sheer will they brought onto the field.
Canzi expressed satisfaction post-match, noting the importance of closing one chapter and beginning another as the season nears its halfway mark. “We’ve managed to close one chapter and open another straight after the midweek game,” he stated. “We’re pleased with how we’ve done in the league so far.”
Meanwhile, Sofia Cantore, who was the standout performer, commented on the team's determination, “We wanted to win today and head to the Christmas break in the best shape possible. We know we’re only at the halfway stage, and it’s important for us to try to win them all.”
This victory not only marked another step toward their Serie A goals but placed them firmly atop the league rankings—earning them the title of 'winter champions'. Even if this moniker may carry little weight historically, it instills confidence heading back to training during the winter break.
Standing strong, Juventus remains optimistic about their future. Their ability to adapt, score, and defend effectively paints the picture of a squad ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. With matches to come, they aim to continue this remarkable streak and build on their success.
