Mixed fortunes for two Malta women internationals after Emma Lipman’s Como Women eliminated Haley Bugeja’s Sassuolo from the Coppa Italia.
A devastating blow for Bugeja’s Sassuolo who were tipped to be among the challengers for all domestic silverware, including the Italian Cup.
On the other side, Como are currently leading the Serie B championship with Lipman playing a key part in her team’s positive run.
Bugeja was in the starting formation for this game and was subbed off on the 75th minute. Lipman, on her part, is currently nursing an injury as she is expected to return on the field in January.
After both Como and Sassuolo defeated Cesena in their competition openers, this direct encounter had to determine the sole qualifier from this group to the next round.
With Como enjoying a better goal difference by just one goal, a draw was enough for them to seal the passage whereas Sassuolo needed to win.
Serie A side Sassuolo were expected to claim the spoils and advance into the next round against the Serie B leaders. Sofia Cantore had also put Sassuolo ahead in the first half after capitalising on a well-engineered positive transition.
Yet, Sassuolo never really grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck and eventually they paid for it as Como managed to level terms with a delightful freekick in the second half. In the closing stages of the game, the victory could have gone either side as both sides were denied by the woodwork but at the end it was Como who celebrated at the final whistle.
Sassuolo’s commitments resume on January 5th when they face Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semi-final while Como will host Cortefranca in Italy’s second-tier four days later.
