‘We want to keep dreaming’ – the rise and rise of Roma Women

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“Un Pari Che Sa Di Gloria” read the headline of il Romanista a fortnight ago: “A draw which has the taste of glory”. Champions League debutants Roma had just held Wolfsburg, one of the European greats, to a draw at home. It was a result that put progression into the knockout stages firmly in the Giallorosse’s grasp, sending a signal around the continent that there is very much a new kid in town.

Since acquiring the Serie A licence from Res Roma in 2018, Roma have made solid progress. Last season – Alessandro Spugna’s first in charge – they finished second and qualified for Europe for the first time. The ambition to be among the European elite is clear and their form has backed it up. Unbeaten in 15, they have leapt to the top of Serie A, leading Juventus by a comfortable six-point margin. They won the Coppa Italia in 2021 and that was followed by the Supercoppa Italia last month.

“We are a very ambitious club, and we want to try to win as many titles as possible,” Spugna tells Moving the Goalposts. “We know that to do this we need to improve. We already managed to get one trophy this season, the Super Cup, to which we attached a great importance. We are doing very well in the Italian league … as far as the Champions League is concerned, this is a dream. We want to keep dreaming. It’s very hard but it allows you to get better because you have to measure yourself against very big teams.”

Much of his side’s success has been down to the personnel acquired. The Giallorosse are an eclectic mix, blending some of Italy’s best with stars from abroad. The striker Valentina Giacinti arrived from Milan in the summer and has already made an impact. Rome has been home to Brazil’s centurion, Andressa, since 2019 while the experienced Austrian defender, Carina Wenninger, arrived on loan in the summer.

“There has been great work since the foundation of this club,” Spugna says. “Every year, we’ve been adding bits. This is a club made up of ambitious people with a great desire to improve.”

“The level has increased in Italy thanks to the advent of professional women’s teams. In the last two years, big international players landed in the Italian league and we are one of the clubs who have invested a lot in important players. The league continues to grow, but of course to get to the level of Lyon, Wolfsburg, Barcelona, Chelsea … it will still take time because they are ahead of us. We are trying to bridge this gap and I believe we are on the right track.”

As the women’s game continues to develop, a historic club such as Roma having a notable women’s side is key. They are a team that like to play on the front foot, but their manager is pragmatic about his side’s approach: “I like a team that dominates teams,” he says. “Domestically, we are managing to do this because we have a lot of quality … that’s what we are also trying to do in the Champions League. But of course, at this level, which is much higher, it’s not always possible and sometimes you have to defend.”

They are unbeaten in Europe this season, winning five of their seven matches. The highlight was that confidence-inducing draw with Wolfsburg, who they meet again on Thursday evening. “It meant a lot to us,” reflects Spugna. “Not only because of the final score, but because of the performance. We were brave on the pitch. We not only defended the result, but we tried to win the game.”

The pride Spugna feels is evident. However, he is not one to rest on his laurels with a clear focus to push Roma to the next level. “I landed in this big club and city, living a dream,” he says. “But now I’m here, I’m very happy and very proud. I’m happy that we’re doing good work, which is the most important thing. You need to keep doing this because in football, you need to forget what you did yesterday, and you need to focus on the future.”

Talking points

All change in Canada Legends of the game Christine Sinclair and Diane Matheson have announced the formation of a first professional domestic league in Canada. Project 8, co-founded by Matheson alongside Thomas Gilbert, intend for its inaugural campaign to start in 2025. It will be composed of eight teams, spanning the country. Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Calgary Foothills Soccer Club have been revealed as the first two founding members.

Frappart’s debut History was written last week as France’s Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to referee at a men’s World Cup. She was the official in the centre of the action as Germany took on Costa Rica in the group stages. Her two assistants, Neuza Back and Karen Diaz Medina, joined her to make up the first all-female trio in charge, marking a significant step forward in the field.

All eyes on Manchester There was a new record attendance for Manchester United on Saturday. More than 30,000 supporters turned out at Old Trafford to enjoy their side’s thumping win over Aston Villa. All eyes will be on Manchester again next weekend. Over 40,000 tickets have been sold for the highly anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad. With both sides in good form and mounting a title chase, could it be a significant game for the direction of the WSL?

Recommended viewing

The Theatre of Dreams has seen many a special goal in its time. Another was added to the list on Saturday as Ona Batlle brought the flair to Old Trafford in Manchester United’s 5-0 victory. Her thunderous effort from close range went in off the crossbar, giving Hannah Hampton no chance in the Aston Villa goal.

Quote of the week

“One thing that is clear is that you have to have some time off in football. That is important for any job, even if you love your job and it’s your passion and it’s what you want to do … it’s a deeply human thing where you need to switch off and reconnect …that is important in any workplace, and we need to acknowledge that” – Arsenal’s Jonas Eidevall on the importance of giving his players time off.

Got a question for our writers – or want to suggest a topic to cover? Get in touch by emailing moving.goalposts@theguardian.com.