In a thrilling encounter at the Mirko Fersini stadium, Lazio Women triumphed over Napoli Femminile with a score of 2-1 on April 18, 2025. The victory was crucial for Lazio, as they continue their pursuit of a strong finish in the Poule Salvezza, moving them to the top of the standings.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with Lazio striking early. Just two minutes into the game, Martina Piemonte showcased her skill by eluding the Napoli defense and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Doris Bacic to give Lazio a 1-0 lead. The early goal set the tone for the match, as Lazio dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.
As the first half progressed, Lazio remained the more threatening side. They came close to doubling their lead in the 38th minute when Piemonte's shot grazed the post after a well-constructed play involving Flaminia Simonetti. Napoli struggled to find their rhythm, with attempts from Ginevra Moretti and Tecla Pettenuzzo failing to trouble Lazio's goalkeeper, Sara Cetinja.
In the 41st minute, Lazio capitalized on a set piece to extend their advantage. Eleonora Goldoni, a former Napoli player, rose above the defenders to head home, making it 2-0 just before halftime. The goal was a result of excellent execution from a free kick, showcasing Lazio's tactical prowess.
Despite being two goals down, Napoli entered the second half determined to fight back. They showed more aggression and urgency, forcing Cetinja into action early with a corner kick taken by Manuela Sciabica that led to Virginia Di Giammarino's goal in the 50th minute. Di Giammarino, another former Napoli player, found the net with a well-placed left-footed shot, reigniting hope for the visitors.
Napoli continued to press for an equalizer, creating several dangerous situations. Klara Andrup and Pettenuzzo both forced Cetinja into crucial saves, keeping Lazio's lead intact. As the match approached its final moments, Napoli's Maja Jelcic came agonizingly close to leveling the score, striking the crossbar in the 86th minute with a powerful header.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock wound down, with Lazio holding on to their slender lead amid relentless pressure from Napoli. The referee, Nicolò Dorillo, signaled five minutes of stoppage time, extending the drama of the match. However, Lazio's defense held firm, and they managed to secure the victory as the final whistle blew.
Post-match, Lazio coach Gianluca Grassadonia praised his team's performance, especially noting their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. "We dominated the first half and managed to score two important goals. In the second half, we suffered more, but I thank the players for their resilience and commitment to the win," Grassadonia said. He emphasized the importance of each player having a dream and striving to achieve it, highlighting the team's collective effort to secure the win.
With this victory, Lazio Women now sit at 35 points and are positioned sixth in the standings, ahead of Como in the race for playoff spots. Meanwhile, Napoli remains in search of their first win in the second phase of the season, struggling with injuries to key players like Marija Banusic and Vivien Beil.
The match not only showcased the talent of both teams but also highlighted the fierce competition in the Serie A Femminile. As the season progresses, Lazio will look to build on this momentum in their next match against Como, while Napoli will aim to regroup and find their form.
As the league continues to unfold, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, with both teams vying for a strong finish in the Poule Salvezza. For now, Lazio can celebrate a hard-fought victory that reinforces their position in the league, while Napoli must regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.
