Roma’s journey in the UEFA Women’s Champions League has been shaped by their recent domestic successes in Serie A. Clinching the Serie A title last season with an impressive record of 16 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses. The victory secured a spot in the second round of the UWCL Champions Path, where they dispatched Ukrainian Champs Vorskla.

This season is Roma’s second in UWCL, last season Roma earned their place via a second-place finish in the 2021/22 Serie A behind Juventus.

Roma’s 2022/23 UWCL campaign was marked by notable achievements:

• They navigated through the league path to reach the group stage.
• In the group stage, they secured a second-place finish in Group B, earning them a spot in the round of 16.
• Unfortunately, their journey in that season came to an end with a 6-1 defeat to the eventual champions, Barcelona.

However, the current season presents some challenges for Roma. They faced a significant setback with the departure of key striker and penalty taker, Andressa, who played a crucial role in their goal-scoring efforts last year. 

The Season So Far

Roma has been on fire recently, winning their last 7 games with a score differential of +25 and 4 clean sheets. Here are a couple of notes about their current form:

• Linari returned from injury, took the only penalty of the season

• Kumagai a great addition bringing Champions League experience from Lyon and Bayern Munich, 2 goals in Serie A and 2nd on team in minutes

• Giugliano on corners and contributing the most crosses per game. Consistent point scorer and creator for this team, 3 assists in Serie A this season

• Haavi showing why she earned her MVP award, continues to create many chances

• Giacinti rounding into form, 2 goals on 10/22 and 4 total on the season including UWCL

Here are the Top 5 AS Roma players to keep your eye on as we prepare for the UWCL fantasy season:

Players to Watch

Manuela Giugliano (MF, 450k)

Giugliano is poised to be Roma’s top fantasy points scorer in the upcoming Champions League campaign. The recipient of the 2019 Italian Football Female Player of the Year award, Giugliano is renowned for her versatility, making her an ideal fantasy asset. Her strengths extend to both offensive and defensive aspects, as reflected in her impressive statistics. In 2022, she led her team with over 2 tackles per game and averaged more than 1 interception per game. Giugliano also plays a crucial role as Roma’s primary corner taker, creating numerous opportunities for assists. Notably, in 2022, she ranked second on the team in xA (expected assists). She also consistently produced almost 3 shots per game, so a manager could expect attack points!

Giugliano initiated her Serie A career in the 2018-19 season with AC Milan. After a year at the club, she made a pivotal move to rivals AS Roma, where she has been a constant presence ever since. Her tenure at Roma has yielded substantial success, including their Coppa Italia triumph in 2021. The first piece silverware for the club since its inception in 2018. Giugliano also gained international recognition as a key member of Italy’s 2019 World Cup squad. Her midfield performances played a crucial role in Italy’s journey to the quarter-finals.

In the previous season’s Champions League, Giugliano displayed her brilliance by contributing 3 goals and 2 assists in 8 matches. Her standout moments came during her two group stage encounters against St. Pölten, where she scored or assisted all 5 goals. Furthermore, she showcased her defensive prowess by leading the team with 22 tackles throughout the tournament.

Valentina Giacinti (FW, 600k)

Meet Valentina Giacinti, a dazzling striker celebrated for her remarkable speed, agility, and clinical finishing ability. Her journey in the world of football is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

Giacinti’s illustrious Serie A career commenced in 2010 with P.C.A. Atalanta, setting the stage for a remarkable journey that saw her don the jerseys of Napoli, Mozzanica, and Brescia. However, it was in Milan, in 2018, where she left an indelible mark. Not only did she become a leader within the team but also assumed the captain’s armband. Her time at A.C. Milan was characterized by pivotal contributions, leading the team to a triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign in the 2020-21 season. Giacinti’s incredible tally of 24 goals in 29 appearances established her as the top goal scorer before her departure in 2022.

In 33 appearances last year, Giacinti showcased her remarkable goal-scoring prowess, leading her team with an impressive tally of 16 goals. She also boasted the highest expected goals (xG) rating among her teammates at an impressive 0.44 per game. Averaging 3.6 shots per game with 1.7 on target, Giacinti’s fantasy appeal predominantly hinges on her consistent ability to find the back of the net, she was the third-highest goal scorer in Serie A last season. Furthermore, she is a coveted penalty taker! Giacinti should be a strong contender for your fantasy squad due to her electrifying on-field presence, exceptional scoring prowess, and potential as a penalty taker. It’s imperative to closely monitor her as she continues to make her indelible mark in the world of women’s football.

Emilie Haavi (MF, 600k)

Emilie Haavi was crowned as the Most Valuable Player for the 2022-23 Serie A season. A versatile attacking midfielder and winger, she is a formidable presence on the field while proudly representing both AS Roma and Norway.

Emilie Haavi’s remarkable football journey began in 2008 when she entered the Norwegian league Toppserien. Recognition as Player of the Year in 2020 is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the sport. In 2016, she ventured to the United States, signing with the Boston Breakers of the NWSL, before returning to Norway. Then, in 2021, she embarked on a new chapter by joining AS Roma, showcasing her versatility as a footballer. Haavi’s international career with Norway, dating back to 2010, has seen her score 11 international goals, including a memorable strike against the Netherlands in 2016 during the UEFA Women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament.

In the realm of fantasy football, Haavi’s contributions encompass a range of skills, primarily revolving around her prowess in providing assists and delivering crosses. Impressively, she ranked as the second-highest cross provider on her team, averaging nearly 4.5 crosses per game. Haavi also showcased her goal-scoring ability with 9 goals, ranking third on her team, despite not recording as many shots as some teammates, and she tied for the 10th most goals in Serie A last season. Her average of 1.78 shots per game suggests room for improvement in enhancing her scoring potential, and notably, she contributed defensively with nearly 1 tackle per game. Emilie Haavi’s diverse skill set makes her a player of significant interest for UWCL Fantasy.

Elena Linari (DF, 500k)

Serie A’s premier defender in the 2022-23 season, Elena Linari is a commanding center-back representing both AS Roma and Italy. Her presence on the pitch brings a unique blend of offensive and defensive prowess.

Linari’s journey in professional football commenced in 2008 with Firenze, where she honed her skills for five years. Her remarkable career path then led her to Brescia, where she achieved early success by securing the Serie A league title in her debut season with the club. Her time at Brescia was marked by participation in prestigious competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Copa Italia, and the conquest of two Supercoppa trophies. Following this fruitful stint, Linari returned to her childhood club, now Fiorentina, for a two-year tenure. Her football odyssey then took her to Spain, where she spent two impactful years with Atletico Madrid, clinching a Liga F title. Subsequently, she made her mark in France, signing with Bordeaux. In 2021, she made a triumphant return to Italy, joining AS Roma, where her immediate impact on the team was evident. Notably, Linari showcased her dominance in Roma’s Coppa Italia victory over AC Milan, tallying an impressive 16 ball recoveries, 111 successful passes, and winning 5 crucial aerial duels.

Elena Linari’s multifaceted abilities as a center-back make her a standout player to watch for ShePlays fantasy enthusiasts. Throughout the 2022/23 season, she led her team in pass completions with an impressive average of 53 per game. Linari’s defensive prowess is equally remarkable, boasting averages of 1.4 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 2.8 clearances, and 1.2 aerial duels won per game, most of which topped the charts within her team. Her exceptional skills in both passing and defense position her as a formidable asset in ShePlays fantasy.

Saki  Kumagai (MF, 400k)

Saki Kumagai brings the most hardware to this Roma team as well as her veteran leadership. She is a 4x Champions League Champion with experiences with Lyon as well as Bayern Munich. She was also the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion and the 2019 AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Kumagai has been a fantastic pickup for Roma this summer. A major contribiter to why they have started their season on a hot streak. She walked into the starting line up, and has scored recently in games against FC Como and ASD Calcio Pomigliano. She has settled into a groove at Roma, completing 40-45 passes and has creating 3-6 chances a game, both of which should help her ShePlays UWCL fantasy scoring. 

If Kumagai can translate experience to Roma and to continue to make deep runs in the Champions League, she has a great shot of being a value midfielder for your fantasy team.