Juventus Women 2–2 AS Roma Women — Juventus Women and AS Roma Women played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Serie A Cup Women, a result that leaves the tie delicately poised. Cristiana Girelli and Sofia Cantore struck for the Bianconere, but Roma responded through Valentina Giacinti and a Manuela Giugliano penalty, with the visitors equalising late to deny Juventus a home victory.

Two heavyweights trade blows

Matches between Juventus and Roma have become the defining rivalry of Italian women's football, and this cup meeting lived up to its billing. The sides traded spells of dominance, with Juventus looking sharper in possession during the first half and Roma growing increasingly dangerous as the game opened up after the break.

The draw means the tie remains wide open, and both managers will take encouragement from the attacking quality on display — as well as notes on the defensive lapses that allowed four goals to be scored.

Key moments

• 16' – 1-0: Cristiana Girelli opens the scoring with a trademark finish inside the box after a clever cut-back.
• 37' – 1-1: Valentina Giacinti pounces on a loose ball and fires Roma level against the run of play.
• 58' – 2-1: Sofia Cantore restores Juventus's lead with a composed finish following a swift counter-attack.
• 76' – Penalty: Roma are awarded a spot-kick after a foul in the area, and Manuela Giugliano converts confidently.
• 90+2' – Chance: Juventus win a late free-kick in a dangerous position, but the effort sails over the bar.

Tactical story: space in transition

Both sides pressed high and committed numbers forward, which made for a fast, open contest but also created repeated opportunities in transition. Juventus looked to overload the flanks, with Barbara Bonansea and Lisa Boattin combining well on the left, and their two goals came from exactly those patterns.

Roma, meanwhile, were at their best when Giugliano dropped deeper to dictate play and Giacinti attacked the space behind the Juventus defence. The equalising penalty came after a sustained spell of pressure in which the Bianconere struggled to clear their lines.

Standout players

Cristiana Girelli continues to be Juventus's most reliable big-game player, and her opener was taken with the calmness of a seasoned international. Sofia Cantore caused problems with her direct running, while Arianna Caruso knitted the midfield together superbly.

For Roma, Manuela Giugliano was the engine of the comeback, her penalty the least she deserved for a controlling performance. Valentina Giacinti was a constant menace in the box, and Elena Linari produced a series of important blocks to keep the score level in the closing stages.

What it means for the cup tie

With everything still to play for, both sides will fancy their chances in the return fixture. Juventus will feel they should have closed the game out at 2-1, while Roma will take confidence from their ability to recover from a losing position against one of the strongest squads in Italy.

What's next

The Serie A Cup Women remains a priority for both clubs, and the second leg promises to be another absorbing tactical battle. Before then, domestic league commitments will test the depth of two squads that expect to be competing for silverware on multiple fronts.