PRIMAVERA BOUNCE BACK, EMPOLI BEATEN 4-1

AC Milan Primavera kicked off the season in style, securing a 4-1 victory over Empoli in the early game of the Matchday 4 at the PUMA House of Football. The Rossoneri took control from the start, leading 3-0 at halftime with goals from Scotti, Ibrahimović and Stalmach. Despite Empoli's attempt to come back with a goal from Popov, Scotti netted his second of the game and of his season. We now sit at 9 points in the standings, confirming a strong start to the season.

After an initial 15 minutes of sparring, Guidi's team took control, scoring two goals in the middle of the first half. They capitalised on chances created both through team play and individual skills. In addition to the strong performances, there were three seasonal debuts. Lontani made his first appearance in goal, Gualdi came on towards the end, and Grilli started on the left. These three points bring us closer to our Youth League debut when, on Tuesday the 17 September, we will face Liverpool.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v EMPOLI

MATCH REPORT
With the Rossoneri dominating possession early on, the first chance came in the seventh minute when Bakoune's low cross found Stalmach, whose close-range shot was deflected for a corner. Another opportunity for Bakoune came in the 17th minute, with a close-range effort that narrowly missed the target. This was just the prelude to the opening goal, which arrived a minute later thanks to Scotti: a controlled stop, a cutback, and a low drive that left Versari with no chance. The visitors tried to respond, with Longoni making a great save to deny Popov in the 24th minute. AC Milan continued their strong play and doubled their lead in the 29th minute: Stalmach won the ball back in the attacking phase, and Ibrahimović scored with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. The first half wasn't over yet for the Rossoneri: in the 40th minute, Stalmach completed his brace, pushing through the defence and finishing from close range

Play resumed with three substitutions for Empoli, but the initiative remained with Guidi's team. In the 52nd minute, Versari had to use his fists to deny Șiman. The Tuscans tried to get back into the game with a goal from Popov in the 54th minute, but immediately after, Șiman hit the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the area. We restored our three-goal lead in the 62nd minute, with Scotti scoring from close range after Versari had saved Bakoune's header. Scotti nearly completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute with a right-footed drive following an intense Rossoneri attack. The tempo slowed, but we continued to press, with Ibrahimović trying his luck in the 83rd minute, though his curling shot missed the target. In the final moments, Empoli went down to ten men after Majdandžić received a second yellow card, but the score remained unchanged: it ended 4-1 in our favour!

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 4-1 EMPOLI

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Longoni; Bakoune, Nissen, Duțu, Grilli; Perin (66' Mancioppi), Sala (79' Perrucci); Șiman (65' Ossola), Stalmach (86' Gualdi), Scotti; Ibrahimović. Subs: Colzani; Colombo, Frugnoli, Paloschi, Parmiggiani; Tezzele; Lamorte. Coach: Guidi.

EMPOLI (3-4-2-1): Versari; Moray, Tosto, Rugani (46' Fălcușan); El Biache (46' Matteazzi, 71' Bacciardi), Bacci (46' Lauricella), Huqi, Majdandžić; Orlandi, Cesari (78' Brayan); Popov. Subs: Fuscaldo; Pauliuc; Olivieri, Trdan; Akpa-Chukwu, Monaco. Coach: Birindelli.

Referee: Maccorin from Pordenone.
Goals: 18' and 62' Scotti (M), 29' Ibrahimović (M), 40' Stalmach (M), 54' Popov (E).
Bookings: 25' Sala (M), 43' Bacci (E), 49' Majdandžić (E), 65' Perin (M), 90+2' Huqi (E).
Sent-off: 88' Majdandžić (E) for two bookings.

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