SCUDETTO FINAL FOUR: AC MILAN KNOCKED OUT IN SEMI-FINALS

A very good first-half showing from Coach Corti's side wasn't enough, as Roma booked their place in the Scudetto final. The Women's Primavera made it to the Scudetto Final Four, in Tirrenia, for the first time in their history where they faced the winners of the previous two titles, Roma. The first half ended all square, with few chances falling to either side, with both teams pushing for that allusive first goal without any success and unable to capitalise on their opponent's mistakes. 

After the break, Roma began to pull away, scoring twice early on, adding to their lead and nullifying any potential Rossonere comeback. Towards the end of the game, Coach Viglietta's side added to their lead, as they increased the breathing room before Rossi pulled one back for AC Milan. So, just like that, the women's Primavera journey was brought to an abrupt end in the semi-finals, despite a season with many positives to build upon which bodes well for the future.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM ROMA V AC MILAN

REPORT

Roma started the game brightly, particularly down the right-hand side. However, the first chance fell to AC Milan after just 5 minutes: Selimhodzic got in behind the defence and took the effort on with her left foot, which was met by Merolla, who was alert to the danger and parried the ball away. Both sides then began to test each other out, as they looked to capitalise on any lapses in concentration from their opponents. The first opportunity of this period fell to Cortesi, who was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Pacioni. Then Tarantino was met by Alberti with a last-minute interception. Right at the end of the half, it was Corelli's turn to threaten the AC Milan defence with a right-footed shot from the edge of the box which was tipped over by the Rossoneri goalkeeper. That was all to report from the first half.

It only took a moment for the deadlock to be broken. In the second minute of the second half, Semplici tripped up Bergersen in the penalty area. Corelli slotted past Alberti from the spot, to give the Giallorosse the lead. AC Milan tried to reply immediately through Selimhodzic, whose powerful right-footed effort was saved by the fists of Merolla. It didn't take Roma long to get a second: from a corner, Giallorosse captain Massimino headed home after picking space in the centre of the box. After Roma doubled their lead, Coach Corti's girls struggled to create many opportunities to get back in the game and hopefully turn the tide of the game in their favour. Roma took advantage of this and added to their lead, with third and fourth goals in the 73rd and 79th minutes: the first of these coming courtesy of Corelli who got there ahead of Sorelli and slotted past the oncoming Alberti and finished with aplomb. Then, Bergersen headed home the fourth. AC Milan pulled back a consolation goal in the 88th minute, as Rossi regained possession and set through Merolla who finished with her left. It finished 4-1.  

MATCH FACTS

ROMA 4-1 AC MILAN

MILAN (3-5-2): Alberti; Zanini, Sorelli, Semplici; Miotto (62' Ronchetti), Boldrini (62' Dal Brun), Premoli, Renzotti (80' Donolato), Nano; Selimhodzic (80' Rossi), Cortesi (62' Avallone). Unused substitutes: Cazzioli; Crevacore, Morin, Ticozzelli. Coach: Corti.

ROMA (4-3-3): Merolla; Zannini, Pacioni (75' Bruni), Massimino, Testa E. (46' Bergersen); Gallazzi (82' Testa), Ferrara (86' Ridolfi), Petrara; Battistini, Tarantino (75' Tall), Corelli. Unused substitutes: Gilardi, Montesi, Pezzi, Pizzuti. Coach: Viglietta.

Referee: Frazza di Tezze di Arzignano.
Goals: 47' Corelli (R), 49' Massimino (R), 73' Corelli (R), 79' Bergersen (R), 88' Rossi (M).

Bookings: 84' Nano (M) 90+4' Sorelli (M).

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