Inter Women open European campaign with historic victory
Inter Women made a winning start to their first-ever appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage, defeating Swedish side BK Häcken 1–0 at the U-Power Stadium in Monza. Haley Bugeja scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute, giving coach David Sassarini's side three points on their European debut.
The match marked a milestone for the nerazzurre, who reached the main phase of Europe's premier women's club competition for the first time in their history. Bugeja, a Malta international who joined Inter in summer 2023, struck early with her left foot to settle the contest. Fans voted her Player of the Match.
Juventus stumble despite home support
Juventus Women suffered a 2–1 defeat to Benfica in their opening match at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. More than three thousand spectators watched as the Portuguese side secured victory through two set-piece goals from Lund — a first-half penalty and a second-half free-kick.
Redondo pulled one back late for the hosts, but the bianconere could not find an equaliser. Coach Isaac Guerrero's team now faces a quick turnaround, with a league match against Napoli on Saturday before traveling to face Häcken on 30 September — the same Swedish side Inter beat.
Contrasting fortunes for Italian clubs
The opening round of the new-look group stage delivered different outcomes for Italy's two representatives. Inter's victory over Häcken — a side comparable in strength to top Serie A teams — provides early momentum in a challenging group that also includes elite European opposition: Olympique Lyonnais, Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Austria Wien.
For Juventus, the loss at home adds pressure ahead of their European away fixture. Benfica arrived in Turin having lost the previous season's final, and proved their quality with a clinical performance from dead-ball situations.
Bugeja's impact for Inter has been immediate since her arrival from Sassuolo. The 22-year-old forward, valued at €220,000 in current market estimates, has now recorded 65 league appearances and 13 goals for the club. Her strike against Häcken was her first in European competition this season.
