Giulia Dragoni is preparing for an emotional reunion with Roma as Chelsea face the Italian side, less than a year after she played against them in a 6-0 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The 19-year-old midfielder was on the other side of that match in December last year, before completing her permanent transfer from the Italian top flight in the summer. Now, after making four substitute appearances in 11 matches this season, she is set to line up against the club she only recently left behind.
A familiar opponent, but a different shirt
Dragoni said it would have sounded unbelievable if someone had told her on the day of that first meeting that she would be back so soon wearing the Chelsea shirt. She described the chance to play at Stamford Bridge as a Chelsea player as an honour, adding that the stadium left a strong impression on her when she was with Roma.
She also said the match carries extra meaning because of the relationships she still has from her time in Rome. Dragoni said she had been speaking with some of the Roma players and that everyone was excited to see each other again, even though they are no longer on the same side.
Asked about the challenge ahead, Dragoni said she expects a tough game and believes Roma will arrive with confidence after beating Juventus 5-2 last weekend. She said they will not be afraid of Chelsea, but added that Chelsea are ready too.
What Dragoni learned in Italy and England
Dragoni also reflected on the difference between football in Italy and England, saying the game is faster and more intense in England. She said the speed on the ball forces players to make decisions quickly, with less time to think before receiving it.
That, she explained, means players must already know what is happening around them and play quicker. She also said Chelsea are focused heavily on details, while crediting her time in Italy for helping her development as a player.
Looking back on her spell at Roma, Dragoni said it was a really nice period for her and highlighted winning the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia as her best moments there. Even so, she made clear that the game against her former club will be a personal one, calling it emotional and acknowledging that the last time she wore a Roma shirt was emotional too.
