THE ROSSONERE LOSE WOMEN'S COPPA ITALIA FINAL

They have already made history with their Champions League qualification. They could have, once again, written an even more beautiful page in the club’s history by adding their first trophy. The Rossonere, however, could not do so, losing the Women’s Coppa Italia Final to Roma on penalties after 120 minutes of football. It was 0-0 in normal time, and their opponents were more efficient from 11 yards. It is difficult to accept such an ending, it is always a horrible way to lose, but our girls have to be proud of their incredible season: always striving, always building. Thank you and well done, girls. 

It was not the final they hoped for but Ganz’s side have to look forward from here, reacting and coming back stronger, after taking stock of what was an extraordinary 2020/21 league season (finishing in 2nd place, with 16 victories from 22 games). At Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, with Ivan Gazidis, Paolo Maldini, Frederic Massara and Paolo Maldini watching on, the Final was a tough, stretched and not particularly spectacular game due to the stakes. AC Milan had more chances to break the dead-lock, putting in a performance that lacked the spark but had desire and heart. Shame - football is like that; heads up.

 MATCH REPORT 

AC Milan set up as usual, in white jerseys and making a strong start. After a matter of seconds, Dowie - found in space by Giacinti - had a great chance but a poor touch let her down. Added to that, the wide free-kick from Hasegawa on 8 minutes and a tame right-footed effort from Jane after 11 minutes and Rome got to the quarter-hour mark knowing they were in for a game, with Lázaro’s  header from the angle a dangerous one. After a cagey period, Jane had another effort on 29 minutes, testing Ceasar. The game was tight, the teams not taking risks, and only Linari had an effort at goal (a free-kick blazed over the bar) before the whistle.

The second-half was much the same. The Giallorosse began the better: on 51 minutes, Korenčiová blocked Soffia’s long-range strike, and three minutes later Tomas had a wayward attempt. With the game becoming a real battle, the Rossonere looked to spring forward but were too often caught offside (occasionally, ruled thus unfairly). Even the substitutes could not turn the tide, as it was a close game of few chances: Veró’s shot on 77 minutes was blocked by her own team-mate, Grimshaw, and after 84 minutes Bergamaschi’s effort did not trouble the keeper too much. There was almost a dramatic ending when, two minutes into second half injury time, Bernauer’s strike from range smacked the crossbar. After 94 minutes it was still 0-0 and extra-time beckoned.

The Rossonere came close in the 95th minute: Grimshaw found Mauri in the middle but Swaby saved; from the corner, Tucceri Cimini crossed and Ceasar cleared it over the bar. The first-half of extra-time ended with shots from Mauri and Vitale. Four minutes from the end, AC Milan had a double chance: Ceasar saved Hasegawa’s volley and then Vero’s low, hard cross missed everyone. Bernauer struck fear into the Rossonere again late on, with another shot causing a melee. It was all square, though, after 120 minutes and so would be decided on penalties. 

From the spot, Veró, Grimshaw and Tucceri Cimini all missed, with Bernauer putting away the winning penalty. 

THE LINE-UPS 

MILAN vs ROMA (0-0, 1-3 on penalties)

MILAN (3-5-2): Korenčiová; Vitale, Agard, Fusetti; Bergamaschi, Vero, Jane (45' Mauri), Hasegawa, Tucceri Cimini; Dowie (77' Grimshaw), Giacinti. Un-used subs.: Piazza; Rizza, Spinelli; Čonč, Simic; Salvatori Rinaldi, Tamborini. Coach: Ganz.

ROMA (4-2-3-1): Ceasar; Soffia (69' Eržen), Swaby, Linari, Bartoli; Bernauer, Giugliano; Thomas (8' Banušić), Andressa (81' Greggi), Serturini; Lázaro (86' Bonfantini). Un-used subs.: Baldi, Pipitone; Corrado, Pettenuzzo; Ciccotti. Coach: Bavagnoli.

Referee: Marotta di Sapri.
Booked: 6' Giugliano (R), 39' Vitale (M), 75' Linari (R), 89' Vero (M), 90' Mauri (M).
Penalties: Vero (M) saved, Giugliano (R) goal, Agard (M) goal, Serturini (R) goal, Grimshaw (M) saved, Linari (R) over, Tucceri Cimini (M) post, Bernauer (R) goal.

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