15 September 2019 – Banyana Banyana vice captain Refiloe Jane had a dream start in the Women’s Italian Serie A when they defeated AS Roma 3-0 to shoot to the top of the table in the first match of the season.
Jane, who arrived in Milan about a week ago, was thrown into the starting line-up of the Rossonere and did not disapoint.
This was her second match at her new home in Europe – she also played in the final pre-season friendly against Napoli last weekend.
She has received high praise from her coach Maurizio Ganz.
“Since she arrived, I saw a player ahead of the others, she knows how to play, she is a player that we lacked,” said Ganz about Jane.
On their first match of the league, Ganz was also impressed by his charges at Stadio Tre Fontane away to AS Roma, as they recorded a comfortable victory.
“We played well, we prepared from the first day of camp. The team is made up of many new players, it needs time, but today we did what we had to do. We didn’t risk anything, we were lucky with the free kick that hit the crossbar,” added Ganz.
The win came courtesy of goals from Heroum, Čonč and Giacinti.
“It really was an excellent display by the Rossonere, who controlled the match throughout against a very strong and much-fancied side. This was a brilliant away victory that will give the team a lot of confidence as they look to have a successful season,” said the club on their website.
“Now more than ever, the Rossonere are full of hope and ambition. The team played with determination and bravery, also demonstrating unity and excellent fitness levels until the very end. AC Milan sit at the top of the table as they await their next fixture at home to Orobica Bergamo next weekend. Well done, girls!”
MATCH SUMMARY:
ROMA 0 – 3 AC MILAN
ROMA (4-3-3): Pipitone; Erzen, Swaby, Di Criscio, Soffia; Hegerberg, Giugliano, Bernauer (61′ Greggi); Andressa (76′ Bonfantini), Thestrup, Serturini (58′ Thomas)
Subs: Ceasar; Corrado, Cunsolo, Pettenuzzo; Ciccotti, Coluccini. Coach: Bavagnoli
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Korenciova; Rizza (82′ Mauri), Fusetti, Hovland, Tucceri Cimini (89′ Vitale); Heroum, Jane, Čonč; Bergamaschi, Giacinti, L. Andrade (65′ Salvatori Rinaldi)
Subs: Piazza; Manieri, Mendes, Zigic; Bellucci, Carissimi. Coach: Ganz
Referee: Grasso di Ariano Irpino
Goals: 69′ Heroum (M), 83′ Čonč (M), 88′ Giacinti (M)