The Juventus Women’s First Team won the inaugural Serie A Women’s Cup final by beating Roma 3-2 in Campania, courtesy of a late Lindsey Thomas goal.

Massimiliano Canzi’s side took an early lead through Amalie Vangsgaard, but Emilie Haavi made it 1-1 by half-time. Barbara Bonansea grabbed Juventus’ second, but Roma equalised again through Manuela Giugliano.

MATCH REPORT

The Bianconere made the perfect start to Saturday’s cup final by taking the lead inside the first 10 minutes. Eva Schatzer played a good ball out to Thomas on the right, who quickly diverted it back across the goal where Vangsgaard reacted quickest to score from close range.

That early goal led to the opening exchanges being played out at a frenetic pace, with Roma trying to hit back as quickly as possible and Juventus looking to assert some control.

Roma’s first clear chance came when Kathrine Kuhl’s close-range shot was saved by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, and it was quickly followed by the Giallorosse hitting the post and bar in the space of five seconds. It was a reminder that the game was far from over.

Roma’s pressure paid off after half an hour, when Haavi cut inside Thomas and produced a great finish into the top corner, making it 1-1 in Campania.

The first half ended with the Giallorosse on top, and the contest perfectly poised.

The first chance of the second half fell to former Juventus winger Valentina Bergamaschi, who forced a good save out of Peyraud-Magnin after storming into the box.

Juventus had a golden chance in the 53rd minute to go back in front, as Roma goalkeeper Olivie Lukasova miscued a pass and Cristiana Girelli had a chance to score from close range. Instead, she didn’t connect cleanly with the volley and the chance was squandered.

After a lull in the action, Juventus retook the lead in the 69th minute when Bonansea produced a special finish at the near post from a corner, sending the ball looping over Lukasova.

Just 10 minutes later, Roma were level again. Haavi got in down the left and whipped the ball across, where Giugliano was waiting to head into the bottom corner and make it 2-2. The next big chance fell to Evelyne Viens whose shot flashed just wide of Peyraud-Magnin’s post. With less than 10 minutes to play, the final had reached a very tense phase.

When the match seemed destined for extra time, the Bianconere found the winner in the 92nd minute. A corner was met by Emma Kullberg and her header was saved by Lukasova, but it fell perfectly for Thomas to poke home and make it 3-2, sparking wild celebrations.

Juventus become the first team to win the Serie A Women's Cup, and head into the new league campaign full of confidence.