ROSSONERE THRASH SAMP IN THE COPPA

Four goals to the good. Maurizio Ganz's AC Milan maintained their rich vein of form with a big win in the first leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-final, putting themselves in a good position to secure passage to the semis. The Rossonere stunned Sampdoria in Genoa, beating the Blucerchiate 4-1 after a dazzling display. The scoreline could have been even bigger - Bergamaschi hit the bar and the Rossonere created a raft of chances - and their performance surely must be lauded given the quality of the football produced.

Four goals, four goalscorers: new signings Alia Guagni and Martina Piemonte got themselves on the scoresheet in the first half before Lindsey Thomas (penalty) and Christy Grimshaw left their mark on the match after the break. Sara Thrige put in another brilliant performance (three assists today after her display away at Verona), while the return of Refiloe Jane was a welcome sight for all. The second leg against Samp will take place in two weeks at Vismara. Before that, though, Ganz's team next take on Lazio in the league on Saturday 5 February (12:30 CET).

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF SAMPDORIA V AC MILAN

REPORT
Ganz made two changes to the team that took on Samp in the league last weekend: Thrige replaced Tucceri Cimini, while former Doria goalkeeper Babb came in for Giuliani, who sustained an injury in the warm-up. AC Milan got off to a flying start and took lead in just six minutes. Thrige delivered the perfect corner for Guagni to attack it and nod home her second goal for the Club. The hosts responded five minutes later after winning a penalty; Babb guessed correctly but Rincón slotted it home. Ganz's side were not to be perturbed and created a host of chances, the clearest of which came in the 29th minute as Bergamaschi's effort struck the crossbar. AC Milan deservedly restored their lead four minutes later through Piemonte, who latched onto Thrige's ball to net her second goal in as many games. The final chance of the half fell the way of Sampdoria, though Babb produced a fabulous reaction save to deny Martinovic two minutes before the break.

The Rossonere came out from halftime and continued to dominate proceedings, with Bergamaschi forcing Soggiu into a save in the 48th minute. As the clock struck the hour mark, a second penalty of the match was awarded - this time to AC Milan. Helmwall brought down Bergamaschi and Thomas stepped up to the spot to cooly dispatch the penalty for her fifth goal in five matches in January. The Rossonere did not let up and went on the search for the goal that would all but wrap up the tie. Piemonte (63'), Grimshaw (65', 70') and substitute Jane (72') all tried, unsuccessfully. In the final minutes, substitutes Stapelfeldt and Longo both had a go before Grimshaw netted a richly-deserved fourth goal for the Rossonere, heading home from Thrige's corner. Full time.

MATCH DETAILS

SAMPDORIA 1-4 AC MILAN

SAMPDORIA (4-3-3): Soggiu; Rizza (72' Bursi), Pisani, Spinelli, Boglioni (62' Wagner); Fallico, Giordano, Rincón (72' Seghir); Helmwall, Martinovic (81' Bargi), Battelani (46' Martínez). Subs.: Brunelli; Auvinen, Tarenzi, Gardel. Coach: Cincotta.

AC MILAN (3-4-3): Babb; Codina, Agard, Fusetti; Guagni (64' Longo), Adami (71' Jane), Grimshaw, Thrige; Thomas, Piemonte (77' Stapelfeldt), Bergamaschi. Subs.: Fedele, Giuliani; Kirschstein, Tucceri Cimini; Cortesi, Miotto. Coach: Ganz.

Referee: Gemelli di Messina
Goals: 5' Guagni (M), 12' rig. Rincón (S), 33' Piemonte (M), 62' rig. Thomas (M), 92' Grimshaw (M).
Booked: 11' Fusetti (M), 26' Pisani (S), 44' Grimshaw (M).

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