A DRAW AT THE TRE FONTANE

A solid result was needed to help wipe out the nightmares of last week, and this is what AC Milan Women achieved this afternoon. It finished 1-1 against Roma at the Tre Fontane, a draw that keeps the Rossonere’s hopes of finishing second alive. Ganz’s side produced a high-intensity performance, but Roma also gave as good as they got, with Andressa Alves scoring a second-half equaliser following Thomas’s opener in the 32nd minute. Having been involved in stalemates in their previous two fixtures (against Sassuolo and Napoli), AC Milan have drawn three successive fixtures in Serie A for the first time in their history.

Lindsey Thomas has now been involved in seven goals in her last six league fixtures. After previously bagging against her former side in the Supercup semi-finals in January, the Frenchwoman did so again today. In terms of league positions, the table hasn’t changed following this afternoon’s result, with Sassuolo also drawing against Empoli. The fight for second place continues to be an exciting one, and AC Milan’s next opponents will be Fiorentina.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM ROMA v AC MILAN

REPORT

It was a hard-fought first half, with the Giallorosse showing a bit more creativity in their play but failing to add a finishing touch. In the 21st minute, Paloma Lazaro hit the post before Fusetti denied Glionna a possible tap-in. Lindsey Thomas was the player who opened the scoring after 32 minutes: after creating havoc in the opposition box, she proceeded to find the net with a close-range header from a corner. There was room for two good chances for the hosts before half-time: after Serturini had shot narrowly wide (38’), Glionna struck the woodwork with a free kick in added time.

The match continued in the same vein at the start of the second half, with AC Milan working hard to keep Roma at bay. They managed to do so until the 65th minute, when Andressa Alves scored with a left-footed strike that went in off the post. Coach Ganz’s girls refused to give in and threatened through Longo in the 77th minute, but Ceasar came out to intervene. At the other end, Giuliani turned Soffia’s effort behind for a corner with just two minutes of normal time left. Then, the Rossonere had the best chance to win it as Bergamaschi found Thomas on the counter, but the latter was thwarted by a wonderful save from Ceasar to keep the score level.

POST-MATCH QUOTES 

Following today’s game, Valentina Bergamaschi spoke to Milan TV: "It was a hard-fought match, and we battled away until the end after taking a lead into half-time. We then conceded a slightly careless goal from the edge of the area; we should have done more to avoid it. It was a match that was played at a high tempo."

As regards the team performance: "I’m really proud of all my teammates, also because we fought until the very end despite having many absences. Alia had to grit her teeth, and I think it was a great display full of courage, heart, determination and unity."

Coach Maurizio Ganz had the following to say: "Despite having many players out, we played really well. When you produce such a performance, it means that there’s a team spirit and the desire to be there until the end. I don’t know who will come second, but we’re in contention and will fight until the last second. We went out and played today, and our unbeaten run against Roma continues. Credit really must go to the girls for this. I’d once again like to compliment the players because they’re warriors, and they showed this again today. AC Milan are alive and kicking and will be involved until the end."

MATCH SUMMARY

ROMA 1-1 AC MILAN 

ROMA (4-3-3): Ceasar, Bartoli, Linari, Di Guglielmo; Andressa, Giugliano, Greggi; Glionna, Lázaro (76' Haug), Serturini (61' Mijatovic). Subs: Pettenuzzo, Corelli, Kollmats, Lind, Borini, Bernauer, Pirone. Coach: Alessandro Spugna
AC MILAN (3-4-3): Giuliani; Codina, Fusetti, Árnadóttir; Bergamaschi, Grimshaw, Adami, Tucceri Cimini; Guagni (64' Longo), Stapelfeldt (79' Boureille), Thomas. Subs: Alberti, Babb; Dal Brun, Ronchetti; Miotto, Premoli, Selimhodzic. Coach: Maurizio Ganz.

Referee: Angelucci from Foligno
Goals: 32' Thomas (M), 65' Andressa (R)
Booked: 21' Árnadóttir (M), 37' Linari (R)

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