AS Roma Women have completed a domestic double after defeating Juventus Women 1-0 in the Coppa Italia final, a result that marks the end of Juventus's reign over the trophy and confirms Rome as the dominant force in Italian women's football this season.
Why This Matters
• Historic double: Roma have won both the Serie A Femminile title and the Coppa Italia in a single season for the first time, cementing their place at the top of Italian women's football.
• Revenge served cold: The capital side reversed last year's humiliating 4-0 final defeat to the same opponent.
• Power shift: Juventus, who entered the season as defending champions in both competitions, finish the campaign without silverware.
The Decisive Moment in Vicenza
The match, played at the Stadio Romeo Menti in Vicenza—a neutral venue in the Veneto region between Rome and Turin—on Sunday evening was settled by a clinical execution in the 80th minute. Midfielder Manuela Giugliano converted from close range after a well-delivered cross found her unmarked in the penalty area. It was the kind of goal that reflected Roma's patience and composure throughout a tense final against a Juventus side desperate to salvage something from a disappointing season.
For Giugliano, the strike was significant in a season where she has proven herself as a consistent performer for the Giallorosse. The 28-year-old playmaker recorded 12 goals and 5 assists in 20 Serie A appearances this season, establishing herself as one of the premier midfielders in Italian women's football. Her ability to influence matches from central midfield has been instrumental in Roma's success.
Roma's Season of Supremacy
This Coppa Italia triumph represents Roma's third title in the competition, following previous wins in 2020-21 and 2022-23. But it's the manner of this season's achievement that stands out. The club secured the Serie A Femminile championship, their third Scudetto overall, ending Juventus's dominance at the top of Italian women's football.
The rivalry between these two clubs has intensified dramatically over recent seasons, with their encounters becoming the defining narrative of the women's league. During the regular season, Roma proved their mettle with victories over Juventus, demonstrating that the psychological balance had shifted decisively toward the capital.
What This Means for Italian Women's Football
The domestic double represents a power realignment in Italian women's football. Juventus, who have historically dominated women's football, entered this season as the team to beat. They had won the previous Coppa Italia with a commanding 4-0 victory over Roma and looked set to continue their grip on domestic honours.
Instead, Roma have flipped the script. The club's investment in squad depth and tactical sophistication has paid dividends, allowing them to compete on multiple fronts including a respectable UEFA Women's Champions League campaign.
For fans and stakeholders of women's football in Italy, the competitive balance is welcome news. A genuine rivalry at the top of the table drives interest, media coverage, and ultimately investment in the sport. Roma's ability to challenge Juventus suggests the league is maturing beyond a one-team dominance model.
The Giugliano Factor
Manuela Giugliano's contribution to this double-winning season cannot be overstated. With 12 league goals and 5 assists this season, her leadership and technical quality have elevated those around her. She has established herself as one of the premier midfielders in Italian women's football.
Her versatility is another asset. While primarily deployed as a central midfielder, Giugliano's ability to operate in advanced positions and contribute defensively makes her the kind of player who defines championship teams. Her consistency throughout the season has been vital to Roma's success.
Juventus Left to Regroup
For Juventus, this final defeat caps a season of unfulfilled expectations. The Bianconere were expected to maintain their grip on Italian silverware. Instead, they finish the campaign empty-handed, a rare occurrence for a club that has been the benchmark in women's football domestically.
The psychological impact of losing both the league and cup to the same rival will require careful management during the off-season. Juventus have historically bounced back from setbacks, but Roma's rise poses a sustained challenge rather than a temporary blip.
Broader Context for Women's Game
This result arrives at a moment when Italian women's football is experiencing increased visibility and commercial interest. Matches between Roma and Juventus regularly draw significant crowds and television audiences, a sign that the women's game is carving out its own identity and fanbase.
The domestic double for Roma also strengthens Italian football's profile in European competitions. Sustained domestic success builds the infrastructure and confidence needed to compete with Europe's elite clubs.
Looking Ahead
Roma will enter the next season as the team to beat, a position that brings both prestige and pressure. Retaining key players like Giugliano will be essential as the club manages expectations across multiple competitions.
For Juventus, the rebuild begins now. The club's infrastructure and financial backing remain strong, but tactical adjustments and potentially squad reinforcements will be necessary to reclaim their position at the summit of Italian women's football.
The rivalry between these two clubs shows no signs of cooling. Roma's double has added fuel to a fire that promises to define Italian women's football in the seasons to come.
