THE ROSSONERE BOW OUT OF THE COPPA ITALIA

Manuela Giugliano's magnificent free kick in the closing stages wasn't enough for the Rossonere to overcome their first-leg defeat. The second leg of the semi-final clash in the Coppa Italia between Juventus and AC Milan in Vinovo finished 1-1, but the Bianconere go through courtesy of the 2-1 win they secured in the first match, with the final set to be held on 28 April at the Stadio Tardini in Parma. This was an AC Milan side that showed desire and courage, and they didn't have the best of luck either: coach Morace was forced to bring off Tucceri and Mendes during the first half. As the match was drawing to a close, the Rossonere threw caution to the wind and had a number of chances as Sabatino and Bergamaschi went close, but they weren't able to force extra-time. Juventus, who took the lead in the 14th minute through Glionna, were clearly unnerved by Manuela Giugliano's equaliser in the 82nd minute but eventually managed to secure their passage into the final. The Rossonere's dreams of progressing came to an end as chances for Bergamaschi and Sabatino went begging. Despite this, the girls deserve to be congratulated on what they've achieved.

CHECK OUT THE BEST PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH

MATCH REPORT

The first shot at goal came from Alborghetti, who received the ball at the edge of the box after 15 minutes but couldn't find the back of the net with a right-footed effort. In the 22nd minute, AC Milan went close again as Valentina Giacinti rattled the crossbar following Giuliani's mistake. Two minutes later, it was Juventus's turn to hit the woodwork as Bonansea's free kick hit the post. After 39 minutes, coach Morace had no choice but to replace Tucceri and Mendes after they both picked up injuries. Carissimi and Zigic took their places on the pitch. Just before the hour mark, substitute Glionna opened the scoring from close range after Korenciova had produced a fantastic stop to deny Girelli. But it wasn't over: eight minutes from the end, Giugliano scored a perfect free kick to make it 1-1. As the match was drawing to a close, AC Milan showed great belief as they put Juventus under pressure: Sabatino headed Longo's great cross over the bar before Giuliani pulled off a magnificent stop to keep out Bergamaschi's cross-cum-shot. Sabatino had the Rossonere's final chance, but she could only head wide following a corner.

MATCH SUMMARY

JUVENTUS 1-1 AC MILAN 

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Giuliani, Hyyrynen, Ekroth, Gama, Sikora; Caruso, Pedersen, Galli; Bonansea, Aluko (58' Glionna), Girelli (73' Rosucci). Subs: Bacic, Franco, Panzeri, Nick, Cantore. Coach: Guarino.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Korenciova; Heroum, Fusetti, Mendes (42' Carissimi), Tucceri (42' Zigic); Alborghetti, Moreno (80' Longo), Giugliano; Bergamaschi, Sabatino, Giacinti. A disp.: Ceasar, Manieri, Capelli, Coda. Coach: Morace.

Referee: Marco Emmanuele from Pisa.
Goals: 14' Glionna (J), 82' Giugliano (M).
Bookings: Ekroth (J).