FIRST DEFEAT IN THE LEAGUE FOR THE PRIMAVERA: 2-1 EMPOLI

The first league loss of the season came today against Empoli for Milan Primavera, who were beaten 2-1, ending a streak of eight consecutive games unbeaten. Fini and Corona’s first-half goals forced Abate’s boys into a long afternoon trying to get back into the game. The Rossoneri goal finally came from Liberali in the 81st minute, followed by three big chances for the equaliser, including Cuenca’s effort hitting the woodwork in 85’. Perhaps the wake-up came late but it yielded enough chances to have earned the Rossoneri a point. 

Among the few positive notes on a complicated afternoon is definitely 2007-born Mattia Liberali’s first league goal, having already scored in the Coppa Italia against Entella. Hugo Cuenca’s cameo was also very positive; he got off on the right foot after the long break whilst Mattia Malaspina’s performance showed that he can be relied upon in every area of the pitch. Now the attention of course turns to Tuesday's Youth League match against PSG, to avenge their loss and take another step towards progression from the groups.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM EMPOLI v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
Empoli were very organised in the first half and managed to contain the Rossoneri possession with great physicality. Birindelli’s team found themselves in a sudden lead in 17’ through their first chance: the Rossoneri were slow to take their lines after a freekick on the right and Fini beat Bartoccioni after his shot was deflected. AC Milan struggled to regroup and the second goal came in 29’, this time through Corona who took advantage of Bartoccioni’s misreading of the ball and found the net from a tight angle. Abate didn’t wait to half-time for changes, subbing on Camarda and Liberali for Bakoune and Scotti in 41’ to immediately send out a signal. 

The second half began with a more convincing AC Milan but they still weren’t flying: Chaka and Victor both tried their hands in the 52nd and 55th minutes, without particularly bothering Seghetti. The Rossoneri were finally in the game though and pushing with more conviction. Bartoccioni redeemed himself after his indecision in the first half, saving Vallarelli’s effort, avoiding 3-0 Empoli. Andrea’s save further charged up the squad, who poured forward and eventually found the net through Liberali: he collected the ball from Sia and found the corner with a great right-footed effort. 2-1, and four minutes later, Cuenca struck the post from the left, beating the keeper but unable to find the net. It was not over, because Cuenca then put in a great cross to Sia who just missed, whilst in 96’, Perrucci struck delightfully with his right, but Seghetti made an incredible save to confirm the final result, 2-1. 

MATCH DETAILS

EMPOLI 2-1 AC MILAN 

EMPOLI (4-2-3-1): Seghetti; Barsi, Indragoli (86' Stassin), Mannelli, Dragoner (86' Gaj); Bacci, Vallarelli; Kaczamarsky (86' Bacciardi), Nabian (65' Barsotti), Fini (54' Falcusan); Corona. Substitutes: Vertua, Bocci, Ansah, Benyahia, Tosto. Coach: Birindelli.

MILAN (4-3-3): Bartoccioni; Bakoune (41' Liberali), Parmiggiani, Nsiala, Magni (71' Perrucci); Victor (79' Cuenca), Malaspina, Zeroli; Scotti (41' Camarda), Sia, Traore (61' Bonomi). Substitutse: Raveyre, Rugginenti; Cappelletti, Sala. Coach: Abate.

Referee: Loviso di Padova.
Goals: 17' Fini (E), 29' Corona (E), 81' Liberali (M).
Bookings: 74' Parmiggiani (M), 78' Corona (M). 

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