EL HILALI WINS IT FOR THE PRIMAVERA

AC Milan Primavera got back to league action following the international break with a win over Udinese to lift themselves out of the relegation playoff spots. It ended 1-0 in a tight game and Abate's team deservedly came away with the points. Youns El Hilali's stunning strike midway through the second half was the only thing separating the two sides. It was our number 10's tenth, and most important, goal of the season thus far. We must also mention the fifth clean sheet in six games in all competitions.

This performance will go down for the players' grit and determination in a big relegation battle against second-from-bottom Udinese. It was another show of maturity from a really young group. Winning today was the best way to kick off April, which sees Abate's boys in action on various fronts. The league continues on Easter Monday when they travel to Roma. The fixture list also puts our boys against Torino and Lecce at home in the league; they will also travel to Geneva for the Final Four of the Youth League.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v UDINESE

MATCH REPORT
The game at the PUMA House of Football took a while to get going. The first change fell to the Rossoneri in the seventh minute: Victor's cross to Bakoune, who hit it straight at Di Bartolo. Udinese pushed for an opener through Vivaldo and then came close through a Pejičić chip (17'). AC Milan replied with an effort from Cuenca, who hit the post to the goalkeeper's left. That was the final real chance before a prolonged period with very few opportunities for the two sides. There were two further moments of action before the break: in the 35th minute, Pejičić had a go from halfway, but Nava was not to be caught out, and then El Hilali sent his shot just past the far post.

Both Sia and Simić came on to start the second half but the game was still a tense, cagey affair. In the 53rd minute, Victor and Foglio both had a go, but to no avail. The Bianconeri's defence then managed to scramble back to deny captain Coubis (61') before substitute Longhi played it in behind for Bozzolan, whose effort whistled just over the crossbar. AC Milan were in the ascendency, and El Hilali spurned a chance to give the Rossoneri the lead in the 70th minute. He more than made up for it two minutes later, though, with a stunning goal. Longhi set him up for the shot, and Youns drilled it home from 25 metres out. The 1-0 lead allowed Abate's boys to slow the tempo and dictate possession; the final chance for the guests came four minutes from time, but Vivaldo's effort was no issue for Nava. Udinese went down to ten men in stoppage time as Cocetta denied El Hilali a clear goalscoring opportunity. And so it ended 1-0 to us!

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 1-0 UDINESE

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Nava; Bakoune (46' Simić), Coubis, Nsiala, Bozzolan; Foglio (68' Longhi), Victor, Stalmach (75' Malaspina); Cuenca (67' Alesi), Mangiameli (46' Sia), El Hilali. Subs: Bartoccioni, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Casali, Paloschi; Gala; Boakye. Coach: Abate.

UDINESE (3-5-2): Di Bartolo; Abankwah, Cocetta, Abdalla; Iob (78' Lozza), Pejičić, Centis, Žunec (87' De Crescenzo), Buta; Asante (63' Castagnaviz), Vivaldo. Subs: Mosca; Di Lazzaro, Nijon, Nwachukwu, Nuredini; Pafundi. Coach: Sturm.

Referee: Iannello from Messina.
Goal: 27'st El Hilali (M).
Booked: 11' Pejičić (U), 42' Cuenca (M), 67' Castagnaviz (U), 82' Centis (U).
Sent off: 90'+2 Cocetta (U).

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