Italian job for Roche in Florence

STEPHANIE ROCHE will begin the next chapter of her career with Serie A side Florentia.

The Irish striker has spent a lot of time on the sidelines after breaking her leg during a World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in September 2017.

Having regained full fitness the Dubliner has opted for life in Italy after leaving a Sunderland side she joined in 2015.

“I am very happy to have arrived at Florentia,” she told the club’s website.

“The Italian Serie A is a championship that is becoming more competitive and I have chosen to come here to continue playing at high levels. Florentia is a great team and I want to repay the trust of the club.

“I’m here to score because that’s my role, but I’m at the disposal of the coach and the team.

“I’ve been out for a year and I cannot wait to get back on the pitch, I’m hungry for goals and I hope to be ready for the match against Fiorentina!”

Roche will be hoping to get game time for the Florence-based team and force her way back into

Colin Bell’s national side.