Fiorentina found themselves 3-0 up over Juventus before collapsing in dramatic fashion, whilst league leaders Roma showed off their skills in a scintillating 6-1 win over Inter.
This round of fixtures saw the Nerazzurre host the Giallorossi on April 15 before the Viola travelled up to Turin to face the Bianconere a day later. With five teams in the championship round, Milan sat out and rested this weekend, keeping a close eye on their competitors.
In the relegation round, Parma and Sampdoria shared a point apiece in a 1-1 draw as Como secured a 3-1 win away to Pomigliano.
Inter 1-6 Roma: Overwhelming might from Rome
Roma have been the dominant team this season, dropping points just twice across their 21 league outings, and things were no different as they headed up to Lombardy for their Saturday afternoon clash with Inter, a team at the lower end of the table in the championship round.
The Giallorosse quickly hit the ground running at the Stadio Ernesto Breda, with Emilie Haavi netting the opener just 13 minutes into the match. She secured her brace nine minutes later, quickly giving the league leaders a comfortable cushion.
Benedetta Glionna then got in on the act, scoring in the 28th and 36th minutes as Roma continued to soar, leaving Inter breathless and on the backfoot. Just before half time, Valentina Giacinti found one of her own, closing out a stunning half of football.
The second half was a much quieter affair, although the Giallorosse did pick up their sixth goal just on the hour mark. As the game started to draw to a close, Tabitha Chawinga scored a consolation goal for Inter, ending things 6-1 in Lombardy.
It was another wondrous performance from Alessandro Spugna’s side and was a perfect example of why Roma deserve to win their first ever Scudetto this season.
Juventus 4-3 Fiorentina: The Old Lady strikes back
Juventus have won the last five Scudetti but have struggled to match Roma’s intensity this season, leaving them constantly on the chase. Joe Montemurro’s side know they cannot afford to drop points as they look to close the eight-point gap at the top of the table, and they proved their determination in a fiery clash at the Vinovo.
Fiorentina, who find themselves in somewhat of a limbo state as the third place team in a table of five, quickly put themselves ahead in Turin, with Michela Catena kicking off the seven-goal thriller in the 18th minute.
Things went from good to great for the Viola 16 minutes later, when Annahita Zamanian doubled their lead with a well-placed shot from the edge of the penalty area. The away side closed out the half in dreamland as Stephanie Breitner’s close range header after a smart free-kick gave Fiorentina a 3-0 lead.
There’s a reason why Juventus have won the last five Scudetti, however, and this was put on display for all to see. In the closing stages of the first half, Cristiana Girelli clawed one back for the home side, giving them a glimmer of hope heading into the break.
After a quiet start to proceedings in the second half, Lineth Beerensteyn managed to find a second for the Bianconere, darting in the box from the left side of the pitch before smashing the ball at the near post, making things 3-2. Only five minutes later, Barbara Bonansea drew Juventus level after some quick passing play, allowing her to drill a shot past Rachele Baldi.
By this point the tide had turned and Juventus could smell blood. Their forward ventures were finally rewarded in the 82nd minute thanks to Julia Grosso, whose deflected shot left Baldi with no chance, allowing the Old Lady to steal all three points after a long 90-minute affair.
What’s next?
Fiorentina will be thankful of the scheduling, as they’ll have next weekend to rest and recuperate following their painful defeat to Juventus.
Milan and Inter will battle it out in the first Derby della Madonnina of the championship round, a clash between two teams looking to find their first win of the second phase. In the regular season, the Nerazzurri did the double over their intercity rivals, winning 4-1 and 4-0. The game kicks off at 11.30 UK time on April 22.
The other fixture sees league leaders Roma host defending champions Juventus, a match that could prove decisive for the title race this season. A Giallorosse victory allows them to put one hand on the trophy, but defeat gives the Bianconere a slim chance of catching the Roman outfit. The match kicks off at 13:30 UK time on April 22.