SIS Roma have taken the opening step towards the Italian women’s Serie A1 title after defeating L’Ekipe Orizzonte 12-9 in Game 1 of the championship final.
Marco Capanna’s side produced a decisive fourth-quarter performance at the Federal Centre in Ostia, turning a finely balanced contest into a valuable victory in front of more than 400 spectators.
Orizzonte made the stronger start, with Claudia Marletta scoring twice and Dafne Bettini completing a first-half hat-trick as the defending champions established an early advantage. However, Roma remained within touching distance and fought back to level at 5-5 through Sofia Carosi.
The teams continued to trade goals after the interval. Goals from Lola Schaap and Silvia Ranalli moved Roma ahead before Orizzonte captain Giulia Viacava restored parity at 7-7 heading into the final period.
Roma then took control. Ranalli converted a penalty before adding another on the counterattack to complete a four-goal individual display and establish the first two-goal lead for the hosts.
Claudia Centanni extended the advantage to 10-7, and although Orizzonte responded through Gagliardi, Schaap restored Roma’s three-goal cushion. Agnese Minuto then made it 12-8, effectively sealing the victory before Aurora Leone scored the final goal.
Game 2 will take place at the Nesima pool in Catania on Saturday, June 27, at 21:00. Orizzonte must win to force a deciding third match, scheduled for July 4 at SIS Roma.
All matches will be shown live on Rai Sport HD.
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