Bianconere Held to Draw Against Milan
In a thrilling match at the Vismara stadium, Juventus Women’s First Team fought back from a 1-0 deficit to take a lead against AC Milan but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw when they conceded a late equaliser. Chiara Beccari and Cristiana Girelli were the heroes for Juventus, each finding the back of the net to keep their team’s unbeaten record intact. Despite the draw, Juventus maintains a commanding 11-point lead over second-placed Inter and Roma in the Poule Scudetto.
First Half: Early Challenges and a Penalties
The match kicked off with both teams showing an eagerness to dominate. Juventus got off to a promising start in the 4th minute when Abi Brighton narrowly missed scoring an Olimpico from a corner kick, her shot hitting the post. Milan quickly responded, with Chante Dompig making a strong move into the penalty area in the 5th minute, only to be denied by the impressive Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Mathilde Harviken fouled Monica Renzotti inside the box, and Dompig confidently converted the resulting penalty, putting Milan 1-0 ahead.
Juventus, undeterred by the early setback, continued to press and create chances. Marina Lenzini’s powerful long-range shot in the 27th minute forced Laura Giuliani to make a crucial save, pushing the ball behind for a corner. Seven minutes later, Girelli nearly leveled the score with a header from Paulina Krumbiegel’s cross, but Giuliani was once again on top of her game. Girelli had another chance in the 36th minute, but her header just missed the target. The first half concluded with Juventus under intense pressure, pushing hard for the equaliser but unable to break through.
Second Half: Comeback and Lead
The second half began with Juventus showing renewed vigor and nearly equalising in the 46th minute. Krumbiegel’s powerful right-footed shot from inside the area was just inches away from finding the net. Seven minutes later, Girelli had another chance with a well-struck volley following a cross from the left, but her effort went just wide. Juventus’ persistence finally paid off in the 65th minute. Sofia Cantore made a driving run down the right-hand side, cut into the penalty area, and delivered a perfect pass to Beccari, who was first to react and beat Giuliani, bringing the score to 1-1.
The Bianconere were not content with just equalising. Just seven minutes later, in the 72nd minute, they completed their comeback. Cantore played a precise through ball to Girelli, who made no mistake with a clinical right-footed finish, giving Juventus a 2-1 lead. The goal sparked joy and renewed confidence in the Juventus camp, and the team looked set to claim all three points.
Late Drama: Milan Strikes Back
As the match entered its final stages, Juventus tried to see out the game and protect their lead. However, Milan pushed forward with determination, seeking the equaliser. The pressure paid off in the 90th minute when Nicola Karczewska, who had just come on as a substitute, found herself in the perfect position to tap in the ball and level the score at 2-2. The goal was a testament to Milan’s never-say-die attitude and the impact of tactical substitutions.
The Final Whistle: Mixed Emotions
The final whistle brought a mix of emotions for both teams. Juventus, despite their strong second-half performance and a comeback that seemed to secure victory, were left with a bittersweet taste of an unsatisfying draw. Milan, on the other hand, celebrated their resilience and the late equaliser, which earned them a crucial point in their pursuit of a strong finish in the Poule Scudetto. The draw underscores the competitiveness of the league and the high level of play demonstrated by both teams.
Next Match: Juventus-Fiorentina
Looking ahead, Juventus will face Fiorentina in their next game. The match will be held on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at Pozzo La Marmora in Biella, kicking off at 15:00 CET. This encounter will be another test of the Bianconere’s mettle as they aim to maintain their dominant position in the league. With the current 11-point gap, Juventus will be looking to secure a straightforward win and continue their march towards the title. The game against Fiorentina promises to be another exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of the Women’s Serie A.
