THE ROSSONERE NARROWLY BEATEN BY JUVE

The Rossonere’s first-ever match at San Siro ended in a bitter defeat, with Girelli’s twelfth-minute penalty winning it for the away side. After a difficult start, Coach Ganz’s side grew into the match but weren’t able to take their chances, especially in the closing stages of the match, leading to their first loss of the season. However, AC Milan Women deserve plaudits for the way they responded to the early blow against an in-form Juventus team, with Bergamaschi, Giacinti and Salvatori Rinaldi all regretfully coming close to an equaliser. Despite the loss, it’s a match that will forever remain in history. The Rossonere remain in third place on nine points level with Empoli and Fiorentina and will face the former away from home in their next league fixture at 15:00 CEST on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT
Juventus made a good start to the match and took the lead thanks to a twelfth-minute penalty: with Čonč having fouled Cernoia in the box, Girelli stepped up and sent Korenčiova the wrong way to make it 1-0. The Rossonere’s first effort at goal came with 17 minutes on the clock, but Tucceri’s free kick ended up safely in Giuliani’s arms. However, Juventus were playing the better football. Just after the half-hour mark, Girelli’s header from Cernoia’s cross was too close to Korenčiova, who made a comfortable save. With the half coming to a close, there were a few promising signs of life from AC Milan Women. In the 36th minute, Giuliani punched away Agard’s free kick, while Dowie’s 41st-minute strike wasn’t too far off target. In added time, Bergamaschi escaped down the right and whipped in a ball for Dowie, who wasn’t able to convert from a tight angle.

Coach Ganz’s girls changed their approach after the restart, showing more aggression and forcing the Bianconere back, with the away side having to defend a number of set-pieces in particular. The Rossonere had a huge opportunity in the 75th minute: Tucceri Cimini crossed it in for Bergamaschi, who got to the ball ahead of Giuliani but headed over the bar. Three minutes later, Mauri played a long pass forward and Dowie picked out Giacinti, who couldn’t keep her header down. With 89 minutes on the clock, Spinelli and Salvatori Rinaldi, both on as substitutes, combined, but the latter fired over with her right foot from close range.

MATCH SUMMARY

AC MILAN 0-1 JUVENTUS 

AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Korenčiova; Bergamaschi (88' Vitale), Fusetti, Agard, Tucceri Cimini; Mauri, Jane (88' Spinelli), Čonč (63' Longo); Grimshaw (88' Salvatori Rinaldi); Giacinti, Dowie. Substitutes: Piazza; Rizza, Spinelli; Kuliš, Rask; Tamborini. Coach: Ganz.

Juventus (4-3-3): Giuliani; Hyyrynen, Boattin, Salvai, Sembrant; Pedersen, Galli, Rosucci (76' Caruso); Cernoia (76' Staskova), Girelli (82' Maria Alves), Bonansea (82' Hurtig). Substitutes: Bacic, Tasselli, Skovsen, Zamanian, Giordano. Coach: Guarino.

Referee: Marcenaro from Genoa.
Goal: 12' Girelli (pen.) (J).
Booked: 52' Hyyrynen (J).

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