A STRONG START FOR THE ROSSONERE

An important win, much desired, and much-deserved. AC Milan Women got off to a strong start with a 1-0 win over Florentia at the end of a game that was played at a controlled pace thanks to some mature game management from the Rossonere. A first-half goal from Miriam Longo proved to be the difference between the two sides, after Coach Maurizio Ganz placed her in a number 10 role, sitting behind an attacking partnership of Giacinti and Dowie. The match was a test of character and tactical astuteness, with the Rossonere showing themselves to be capable of dealing with the attacking threat posed by an opponent who, let's not forget, finished fifth in the league last season. Victory certainly couldn't be taken for granted,  and accordingly, Coach Ganz's side showed some real defensive strength, sticking together to hold firm against the numerous chances created by their opposition. Though it would be hard to find fault with the dominant Rossonere performance, perhaps there is one thing that they could work on: they didn't manage to put the game to bed. In any case, the three points were sealed on the night, there's plenty of time to improve, and that starts with the next match, which is scheduled for 29 August at 17:45 CEST, when AC Milan Women will be paying the San Marino Academy a visit. The path forward for the Rossonere is clear, and it's safe to say that they've got off on the right foot. 

THE GALLERY FROM THE MATCH

MATCH REPORT

The Rossonere got off to a flying start, with the first chance of the match coming for Giacinti in the fifth minute after she was played through by Longo, getting on the end of it in the area and unleashing a powerful strike goalwards, which ultimately flew over the bar. A few minutes later, another piece of link-up play between Longo and Giacinti put the latter through on goal, with only Florentia keeper Amanda Tampieri to beat, but the captain was unable to find the target with her left foot. However, this was just the prelude to the chance that put the Rossonere into the lead in the 14th minute. Ganz's side continued to pile on the pressure, eventually forcing an error from Imprezzabile as Florentia looked to build from the back. Čonč won the ball back for the Rossonere and picked out Longo clean through on goal, before she fired home from close range to open the lead. But after a moment of brilliance, Miriam picked up an injury during the celebration and was replaced in the number 10 role by Rask. But that didn't stop AC Milan from searching for a second. In the 63rd minute, Dowie came within inches of doubling the Rossonere lead. The second half was a similar story, with the Rossonere continuing their pursuit of an elusive second. In the 63rd minute, Dowie looked to pick out Tamborini in the center, but she was unable to get on the end of it. The pace of the game then began to slow, tiredness started to set in, and both sides struggled to hold formation. But AC Milan looked dangerous once more in the 82nd minute, with Giacinti having a pop from the edge of the box, but her attempt was saved by Tempieri. After four minutes of added time, the referee brought proceedings to a close, confirming a well-earned three points for Coach Ganz's side. 

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN WOMEN 1-0 FLORENTIA 

AC MILAN WOMEN (4-3-1-2): Korenčiová; Bergamaschi, Agard, Fusetti, Tucceri Cimini; Čonč, Jane (11' Tamborini), Grimshaw (11' Mauri); Longo (18' Rask); Giacinti, Dowie. A disp.: Piazza, Rask, Rizza, Kuliš, Morleo, Spinelli, Vitale. All.: Ganz.

FLORENTIA (4-3-2-1): Tampieri; Bursi, Dongus, Pisani, Ceci; Bardin (1' Wagner), Imprezzabile (32' Lotti), Re (38' Anghileri); Pugnali, Cantore (25' Dahlberg); Martinovic (38' Kuenrath). A disp.: Boglioni, Lonni, Rodella. All. Carobbi.

Referee: Andrea Bordin di Bassano del Grappa.
Goals: 15' Longo (ACM).
Booked: 16'st Dongus (F).

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