Seasons change but this Primavera side continues to prove itself, play well and, something that can't be underestimated: win. At Casteldebole, against Bologna, the Rossoneri's U19s got their second consecutive win in the league after victory against Cagliari, the third if you include Dinamo Zagreb in the Youth League. Federico Mangiameli scored a brace on his debut, both in the first half in the 10th and 45th minute, followed by Gabriele Alesi in the 77th. It really is a good moment for the boys, especially because the positives are not limited to the results but also include the performances, which are gradually becoming more and more convincing. Fluidity of movement, defensive solidity (third consecutive clean sheet), excellent physical condition, and lots of youngsters making a contribution.
The front pages today are all about Mangiameli, but also for the young Bakoune and Scotti, who took over and immediately made the difference. Smiles all aorund for Gabriele Alesi, who found the net again, and a big thumbs up for the defence led by Coubis who, apart from the missed penalty, led his backline teammates in a faultless performance. Looking at the table there is a long way to go, as the October fixtures are only just beginning: they return to the pitch on Wednesday at 16.00 CEST in Cobham against Chelsea, in the Youth League: the best test to measure the development of these boys.
WATCH: BOLOGNA v AC MILAN GALLERY
THE STORY
Abate's team took to the pitch with the right mentality and got the early goal: after 9 minutes Bozzolan's great cross and Mangiameli's acrobatic attempt with his knee, for Federico's debut goal. On 25 minutes the chance came for the second, thanks to a penalty kick won by Chaka Traorè, who was taken out by Gasperini: from the penalty spot, as in Salzburg, Coubis stepped up, but this time he had his shot parried. The hosts shook it off and on 32 minutes Wallius forced Nava into a difficult save on the ground. Again in the 36th minute, we forced Bologna into a double stop: Gasperini from Traorè first and Stivanello from Gala then. In the 45th minute the second came, again with a flying finish by Mangiameli from Omoregbe's precise cross.
In the second half Bologna tried to rise to the challenge and the Rossoneri, strengthened by their two-goal advantage, waited without dropping too deep and were often dangerous on the counter-attack. The third goal came on the counter-attack, in the 77th minute: El Hilali opened up the pitch for Scotti, who was good at leading the line and serving the new entry Alesi at the right moment, who left Gasperini no chance. In the final minutes, there were lots of changes from Abate and also the dismissal of El Hilali: despite the numerical disadvantage, the defence did not struggle and secured the 3-0 win.
ABATE AND MANGIAMELI'S COMMENTS
Ignazio Abate:"We played a good match, with the right approach, we are improving and we are beginning to have more awareness of our ability. With this attitude and this spirit we can only grow, I'm happy because everyone is getting space in turn. We must continue like this and head to London, there is no time to dwell on the win".
Federico Mangiameli: "A great feeling, to score two goals on debut is very pleasing. Now we think about Chelsea, an important game, we have to stay focused on our path".
THE TABLE
BOLOGNA 0-3 AC MILAN
BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Gasperini; Wallius (66' Anatriello), Amey (46' Mercier), Stivanello, Motolese; Urbanski (82' Corsi), Pyythia, Corazza; Bynoe (66' Rosetti), Mmaee (46' Raimondo), Mazia. Unused: Raffaelli, Verardi; Diop, Karlsson; Maltoni, Schiavoni; Paananen. Coach: Vigiani.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Nava; Bakoune, Coubis, Paloschi, Bozzolan; Gala, Eletu (84' Marshage), Zeroli (84' Pluvio); Omoregbe (68' Scotti), Mangiameli (68' El Hilali), Traorè (74' Alesi). Unused: Bartoccioni, Pseftis; Bartesaghi, Nsiala, Simic; Foglio. Coach: Abate.
Referee: Carrione, Castellamare di Stabia.
Goals: 10' Mangiameli (M), 45' Mangiameli (M), 32' Alesi (M).
Booked: 24' Bakoune (M), 28' Amey (B), 61' Viggiani (B), 62' Eletu (M).
Sent off: 80' El Hilali (M).
Other: 26' penalty missed by Coubis (M).
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