Oladipo: Roma complete revenge mission as Nigeria star helps sink Juventus in Coppa Italia final

Nigeria’s Shukurat Oladipo completed a remarkable debut season in Italy on Sunday after helping AS Roma Women defeat Juventus 1-0 in the 2025-26 Coppa Italia Femminile final at the Stadio Romeo Menti in Vicenza, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old Super Falcons defender delivered another commanding display at the heart of Roma’s defence as Alessandro Spugna’s side finally gained revenge for last season’s painful 4-0 defeat to Juventus in the same final.

Roma had already secured the Serie A Femminile title earlier this month, and Sunday’s victory ensured the capital club completed a historic domestic double.

The contest remained tense for long periods under difficult weather conditions, with the referee forced to call for a cooling break during the first half because of the high temperatures in Vicenza.

Juventus created several dangerous moments and almost broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Martina Lenzini’s effort looked destined for the net, only for Frederikke Thogersen to produce a brilliant goal-line clearance to keep Roma level.

But Roma eventually found the decisive breakthrough 10 minutes from time.

Alayah Pilgrim drove forward down the right wing and delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Striker Evelyne Viens cleverly flicked the ball into the path of captain Manuela Giugliano, who controlled calmly before firing past Juventus goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin from close range in the 80th minute.

The goal sparked huge celebrations among the Roma supporters inside the Romeo Menti as the Giallorosse held on through late Juventus pressure to seal another major trophy.

Oladipo dominates as Babajide celebrates second Italian trophy

Fresh from being named Serie A Femminile Best Defender of the Season only days earlier, Oladipo once again showed why she has become one of the most important players in Roma’s squad.

The former Robo Queens star dominated aerial battles, won crucial one-on-one duels and stayed composed whenever Juventus attempted to press aggressively high up the pitch.

She also combined effectively with defensive partners Oihane Valdezate and Thogersen to maintain Roma’s compact defensive shape throughout the encounter, helping goalkeeper Rachele Baldi secure an important clean sheet.

Oladipo’s rise in Italy has been extraordinary since arriving from Nigeria in February 2025. Across 18 Serie A appearances this season, Roma did not lose a single match with her on the pitch.

The defender also played a key role in Roma’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign and finished the season with 30 appearances in all competitions.

Her Nigerian teammate Rinsola Babajide remained an unused substitute during the final, as coach Spugna preferred defensive stability against Juventus’ relentless attacking pressure.

Despite not featuring on the pitch, Babajide still celebrated enthusiastically after the final whistle as she claimed her second trophy in Italy following Roma’s league triumph earlier this month.

The former Tenerife winger contributed important moments during the campaign that helped Roma maintain their charge towards the Serie A title and Coppa Italia success.

The latest title win makes Oladipo and Babajide the first Nigerian teammates to win both the Serie A Femminile title and Coppa Italia together for Roma.