MILAN FUTURO DRAW 2-2 WITH AREZZO

Milan Futuro led twice and were pegged back twice as they played out a 2-2 draw with Arezzo on matchday 14 in Serie C today. Despite conceding two minutes from time, it remains a positive result for the Rossoneri, who were up against a side who have been in the upper echelons of the table since the start of the season. Certainly, the first-half goals scored by Samuele Longo and Álex Jiménez aren’t the only positives to take from this afternoon’s clash.

For Longo, it was his first goal of the season. Jiménez, meanwhile, bagged for the second consecutive match after finding the net away to Pontedera last week. The Spaniard, who was booked and will have to serve a suspension, now has four goals to his name this campaign when also considering his brace against Lecco in the Coppa Italia. These are important signs for Bonera’s side, for whom Dorian Paloschi made his professional debut after coming on to replace the injured Bartesaghi. The latter’s condition will be assessed in the coming days. Keep the belief, lads!

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM MILAN FUTURO v AREZZO

MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri made a bright start and, having controlled possession in the early stages, took the lead with their first chance: Sandri’s cross fell to Longo, who chested it down and fired past Trombini to make it 1-0. In the 15th minute, the Rossoneri were grateful to Torriani, who produced a fantastic stop to deny Gaddini. Six minutes later, a patient move finished with a shot from Jiménez being blocked by the opposition defence. Arezzo equalised on the 28-minute mark: Coccia played in a ball for Tavernelli, who headed past Torriani. However, the Rossoneri didn’t become disheartened and deservedly restored their lead after 39 minutes. It was a brilliant goal, too, as Jiménez dribbled forward before placing the ball into the net via the inside of the post from the edge of the box. Before the break, Bartesaghi suffered his injury and Sandri struck the bar in stoppage time.

As was the case in the first half, the game continued to be played at a relatively slow pace after the restart, with the Rossoneri controlling possession while trying to avoid giving their opponents space. The first opportunity of the second half fell the way of Jiménez, who narrowly missed the target with a long-range effort. In the 58th minute, Longo turned in the box and let fly with a shot that was kept out by Trombini. In general, however, chances were at a premium, with both teams looking tired despite the changes made by the two coaches. That said, Ogunseye, on as a substitute, came close on two occasions for Arezzo (67’ and 81’). Two minutes from time, the away side equalised: Gucci got on the end of a corner to head past Torriani at the near post. The Rossoneri goalkeeper then produced an outstanding stoppage-time stop to foil Pattarello, the final chance of the match.

MATCH DETAILS

MILAN FUTURO 2-2 AREZZO

MILAN FUTURO (4-3-3): Torriani; Magni, Zukić, Bartesaghi (43' Paloschi), Ballo-Touré (76' D'Alessio); Malaspina, Sandri, Zeroli (76' Hodzic); Jiménez, Longo, Traorè (76' Sia). Subs: Mastrantonio, Nava; Bozzolan; Stalmach, Vos; Omoregbe, Turco. Coach: Bonera.

AREZZO (4-3-3): Trombini; Montini, Righetti, Chiosa, Coccia (73' Gucci); Settembrini (63' Renzi), Santoro (63' Eklu), Tavernelli; Guccione, Pattarello, Gaddini (63' Ogunseye). Subs: Borra, Galli; Barboni, Bigi, Del Fabro, Lazzarini; Fiore. Coach: Troise.

Referee: Bozzetto from Bergamo.
Goals: 8' Longo (MF), 28' Tavernelli (A), 39' Jiménez (MF), 88' Gucci (A).
Booked: 23' Chiosa (A), 41' Tavernelli (A), 52' Montini (A), 65' Zeroli (MF), 67' Torriani (MF), 84' Magni (MF), 90'+3 Jiménez (MF).

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