Nigeria’s Jennifer Echegini bags hattrick as Juventus thrash Fiorentina
In a resounding performance, Nigeria’s Jennifer Echegini bagged a hattrick as Juventus Women triumphed over Fiorentina with a commanding 4-0 victory in Biella on Saturday afternoon.
The win not only avenged their recent Italian Cup semi-final loss but also solidified their position in second place, now eight points ahead of Fiorentina in third.
Tactical Choices
Juventus Women Manager Giuseppe Zappella made strategic changes for the match, deploying Sara Gama at right-back and Martina Lenzini in the center alongside Viola Calligaris.
Hattrick hero Jennifer Echegini returned to support Cristiana Girelli, Lineth Beerensteyn, and Lindsey Thomas.
A Sprint Start
Despite an early chance for Fiorentina, goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin denied their efforts. Juventus quickly seized the initiative, with Julia Grosso opening the scoring with a superb strike from the edge of the area. Jennifer Echegini swiftly doubled the lead with a clinical finish after excellent work from Beerensteyn on the left.
Echegini Takes Center Stage, and the Match Ball
After the break, Juventus continued their dominance, with Echegini extending the lead shortly after halftime. The Nigerian striker completed her hat-trick minutes later to seal a comprehensive victory for Juventus.
Post-Match Comments
Manager Giuseppe Zappella praised his team’s intensity and defensive solidity, highlighting Martina Lenzini’s standout performance. He also lauded Echegini’s goal-scoring prowess, emphasizing her significant contribution to the team.
In her commens, Nigeria Super Falcons star Jennifer Echegini expressed her excitement and credited her teammates for their collective effort in securing the win. She emphasised her determination to make an impact and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
She said “I’m, firstly, really excited and I want to give props to my team. For every one of those goals, we all worked for it and they’re great team goals. I really just had to put myself in the position and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.
“I’m really excited to have had the opportunity to be able to show what I can do, that makes me happy. I just want to make the most out of any opportunity I get, whether I score or not I want to be able to make an impact and I’m glad to have done that today.
“I know my strengths. Last year I scored 16 goals and knowing that I always try to put myself in the best position to score, that’s one of my best attributes and I want to make use of it as best I can.”
Looking Ahead
With the international break looming, Echegini will hope to replicate same form when she turns out for Randy Waldrum tutored Super Falcons against South Africa in a 2024 Paris Olympic games qualifier.
After the break, Juventus Women will regroup before facing a crucial match against Roma in the Poule Scudetto. Zappella and his team are optimistic about their prospects, buoyed by their impressive performance against Fiorentina.
