Milan Futuro's Serie C debut ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat, with Virtus Entella clinching victory in the 1st matchday. The Ligurian side was more clinical, was dangerous on set pieces and took one of their chances to win the game. The decisive goal came from Corbari early in the second half, while Virtus Entella also struck the woodwork twice later on. Although the result differed from their previous two outings in the Coppa Italia, there were promising signs for Bonera in what was an important first experience for everyone.
The Rossoneri held their own, especially during the first half hour and the last 20 minutes of the second half, against an opponent aiming for promotion to Serie B this season, with extensive experience at this level. In the end, it was the details that made the difference on this evening in Liguria, areas where daily hard work will pay off. The season has just begun, and the focus now shifts to the next match. Milan Futuro will make their home debut on Sunday, 1 September at 18:00 CEST, when they host Carpi at the Speroni in Busto Arsizio.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM VIRTUS ENTELLA v MILAN FUTURO
MATCH REPORT
At the Comunale in Chiavari, the game started at a high tempo despite the intense heat. In the third minute, a scrappy shot from Casarotto inside the six-yard box was saved by Nava. The Rossoneri responded with a well, and in the tenth minute, Jiménez's shot was deflected away by Šiaulys. After this lively start, opportunities became scarce on both sides. There were some good combination play involving the Spaniard and Cuenca, but they failed to really threaten. In the closing moments of the first half, the hosts had several chances. In the 42nd minute, Casarotto missed a crucial opportunity from the edge of the area, and in the 45th minute, Bartesaghi made a vital clearance off the line to deny Castelli.
Just 35 seconds into the second half, Nava made a crucial save to deny Franzoni's close-range effort. The hosts hit the crossbar in the 51st minute with Manzi before breaking the deadlock with Corbari, who capitalised on a scramble in the area after another Nava save. Bonera sought to turn the game around with substitutions, bringing on Alesi and Sia. However, with the lead, Entella tightened their defence, giving the Rossoneri little room to manoeuvre and even hitting the post again with Castelli's shot in the 65th minute. Milan Futuro continued to press forward. Alesi's well-taken free kick in the 68th minute was saved by Šiaulys. Nava made another key save in the 73rd minute against Guiu Vilanova. Despite a spirited effort from Milan Futuro, they couldn't find a way to equalise. A final chance came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but Longo's header went over the bar. The match ended 1-0.
MATCH DETAILS
VIRTUS ENTELLA 1-0 MILAN FUTURO
VIRTUS ENTELLA (3-5-2): Šiaulys; Parodi, Tiritiello, Manzi; Bariti, Lipani, Di Noia (13' Corbari), Franzoni, Di Mario (90'+1 Ndrecka); Casarotto (46' Guiu Vilanova), Castelli. A disp.: Del Frate, Paroni; Ghio, Zappella; Costa, Piredda, Siatounis, Tomaselli; Santini, Thioune. Coach.: Gallo.
MILAN FUTURO (4-2-3-1): Nava; Jiménez (84' Coubis), Minotti, Bartesaghi, Bozzolan; Zeroli (84' Gala), Sandri; Cuenca (69' Longo), Liberali (55' Alesi), Traorè (55' Sia); Camarda. Subs: Mastrantonio, Pittarella; Hodzic, Magni, Paloschi; Malaspina; Scotti. Coach: Bonera.
Referee: Gianquinto from Parma.
Goal: 54' Corbari (VE).
Booked: 66' Corbari (VE), 82' Longo (MF).
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