Milan Futuro have bagged another convincing win. It ended 2-1 against Novara in the second clash of the Coppa Italia Serie C, Camarda was excellent for the Rossoneri. His brace in the first half turned around the initial disadvantage - Khailoti for the Azzurri - and secured Coach Bonera's side a spot in the Round of 16 in the competition. First, a penalty won by Traorè and converted from the spot with an icy kick, then a proper number 9's header to take the lead. It was a big and well-deserved win, the whole group showed personality and brought their character and determination needed to get a result in a difficult ground.
The Rossoneri did well to push on and immediately react to going one down against the Piemontesi, just as they did well to remain alert for the full 90 plus minutes at the Stadio Silvio Piola. Many good signs. Nava was solid and decisive between the sticks on a number of occasions. Milan Futuro went close to a third after the break which would have put the difficult game to bed but it was the woodwork that stopped Sia and Camarda. Next week sees the start of our Serie C campaign with the game away to Virtus Entella on Sunday 25 August and we approach with faith and awareness. Well done, lads! Onwards!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM NOVARA v MILAN FUTURO
MATCH REPORT
Off we went. The first chance came for Liberali who challenged Minelli with a nice shot across the box, but it was Novara who opened the scoring by making the most of the first real chance. In the 11th minute, Khailoti put the ball in the back of the net following a corner to make it 1-0. The Rossoneri reaction came quickly but it took a super Nava to stop Calcagni from doubling their lead, making a decisive deflection. Milan Futuro were still in the game and in the 24th minute, Chaka Traorè won a penalty. Camarda stepped up to the spot and converted with an icy kick, 1-1. The Traorè-Camarda link up was working and in the 40th minute, another goal: huge cross from Chaka on the left and a perfectly placed header from the number 9 to take the lead. 2-1 at the break.
Things were balanced after the break. Novara had a go, Nava were still reactive in the 57th minute with a good shot from Ongaro going wide. Moments later, the hosts were dangerous again from a distance but didn't manage to trouble the Rossoneri defence. Substitutions and a cooling break later, intensity and pace were back again. In the 71st minute, Sia unleashed a turning shot that beat Minelli but hit the post. Milan Futuro again created the most threats in front of the opposition goal, but the woodwork stopped Camarda from bagging another as he hit the crossbar in the 84th minute. In injury time, Sia couldn't secure the third and the Rossoneri held out. It ended 2-1 to us!
MATCH DETAILS
NOVARA 1-2 MILAN FUTURO
NOVARA (4-3-3): Minelli; Ghiringhelli, Bertoncini, Khailoti, Agyemang (86' Brkic); Di Munno (66' Cancola), Calcagni, Manseri (78' Basso); Morosini, Donadio (66' Migliardi), Ongaro. Subs: Negri, Desjardins; Riccardi, Cannavaro, Caravaca, Speranza, Koblar, Camolese, De Mori, Lancini, Valenti. Coach: Gattuso.
MILAN FUTURO (4-2-3-1): Nava; Jiménez (85' Coubis), Minotti, Bartesaghi, Bozzolan; Zeroli (60' Malaspina), Sandri (74' Stalmach); Cuenca, Liberali (74' D'Alessio), Traorè (60' Sia); Camarda. Subs: Colzani, Pittarella; Bakoune, Duțu; Scotti; Alesi, Longo, Nasti. Coach: Bonera.
Referee: Abdoulaye Diop from Treviglio.
Goals: 11' Khailoti (N), 25' pen. and 40' Camarda (M).
Booked: 17' Zeroli (M), 37' Jiménez (M), 90'+2 Cancola (N), 90'+4 Bertoncini (N).
Sent-off: 90'+5 Lancini (N) from the bench.
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