THE PRIMAVERA TURN THINGS AROUND TO BEAT BRESCIA IN THE CUP

AC Milan Primavera picked up a second consecutive win today, coming from behind to beat Brescia 2-1 in the round of 32 of the Coppa Italia. The Rossoneri struggled somewhat at the start and fell behind at the end of the first half following Tomella’s goal. However, they found the strength to turn things around in the last 13 minutes thanks to an excellent goal from Bright and El Hilali’s winner.

With Coach Giunti having made various changes, which also involved playing Andreas Jungdal for the first time this season, the Diavolo had plenty of possession and improved as the game wore on. Given how it came about, it’s a result that will boost confidence ahead of the team’s upcoming fixtures, starting from Sunday morning’s match against Fiorentina at Vismara.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN V BRESCIA

REPORT
Coach Giunti switched things up for today’s game, starting Jungdal (who captained the side) between the sticks and testing out a front trio of Amore, Nasti and El Hilali. The Rossoneri, however, didn’t get off to the best of starts, with Bianchetti and Tomella looking particularly dangerous for the visitors. In the tenth minute, Brescia had a goal chalked off for a foul on Jungdal. AC Milan started to push around the half-hour mark and threatened through Nasti, who wasn’t able to make the most out of two opportunities after a long period of Rossoneri possession. Then, the away side struck a blow on the stroke of half-time: following a corner, Tomella let fly from distance, with his shot taking a number of deflections before ending in the net.

Giunti made two half-time substitutions, sending on Coubis and Rossi. The first chance of the second half fell AC Milan’s way as Amore’s left-footed strike finished just off target in the 51st minute. The Rossoneri were improving, with Capone threatening with a 64th-minute free kick and an effort from distance on the 71-minute mark. The Diavolo finally drew level after 77 minutes, when Bright gave Sonzogni no chance with a fantastic long-range effort. With the wind in their sails, the Rossoneri continued to attack and won it in the 89th minute. After good work by El Hilali, a penalty was awarded to the Diavolo following a handball in the box. Youns stepped up and saw his spot-kick saved; however, he was on hand to score the rebound and make it 2-1. AC Milan comfortably saw the game out and will now meet Fiorentina (they’ll be facing the Viola for the third consecutive year in the cup) at the round of 16 stage.

POST-MATCH COMMENTS
"They caused us problems in the first half and we didn’t play like I was hoping we would," said Federico Giunti after the game. "However, after the restart, we were the only ones doing the attacking and found the net through Kevin’s great long-range strike. In training, I encourage the players to do these sorts of things because I know we have guys with great shooting ability. I hope that this goal will motivate the lads to have a go. Today, I wanted to field those who have played less up to this point, and, on the whole, the performance was a good one."

MATCH SUMMARY

AC MILAN 2-1 BRESCIA

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Jungdal; Sette (46' Coubis), Obaretin, Nsiala Makengo, Bozzolan; Bright, Polenghi (61' Tolomello), Gala; Amore (61' Capone), Nasti (46' Rossi), El Hilali. Subs.: Desplanches, Pseftis; Kerkez, Robotti, Foglio, Incorvaia, Roback. Coach: Giunti.

BRESCIA (3-4-3): Sonzogni; Lonati (80' Fogliata), Castellini, Maccherini Tonini; Boafo, Tomella, Bertoni, Danesi (74' Riviera); Del Barba, Bianchetti (62' Ferro), Iddrissou (62' Manu). Subs.: Gallina; Mainardi, Scalmana, Mor. Coach: Aragolaza.  

Referee: Canci from Carrara.
Goals: 45' Tomella (B), 77' Bright (M), 89' El Hilali (M).
Bookings: 23' Gala (M), 38' Nasti (M), 43' Polenghi (M).
Notes: 89' Penalty missed by El Hilali (M).

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