WIN OVER GENOA ON PENALTIES: MILAN PRIMAVERA ADVANCE TO QUARTER FINAL

Milan Primavera beat Genoa on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals of Coppa Italia Primavera. At the end of an extremely balanced match, the Rossoneri prevailed against the Rossoblù thanks to penalties, decisive given that the new format does not allow for extra time to be played. The match ended 1-1 after normal time, after goals in the first half from Papastylianou (6th minute) and Liberali (25th minute) who converted a penalty, won by Maxi Ibrahimović.

Despite Rossoneri dominance, it remained level until the 90th minute, and in stoppage, Longoni made a crucial save to keep it square. Alessandro also shone in the penalty shootout, saving Ghirardello's second attempt for Genoa. We will now face Inter in a single match in the quarter-finals, a derby which will be full of excitement. Now, Coach Guidi's team can shift their focus back to the league, with a crucial away game in Bergamo against Atalanta.  

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v GENOA

MATCH REPORT
A difficult start for Guidi's Rossoneri, who went behind after six minutes thanks to a Papastylianou goal, who was quickest to redirect a cross from the left into the net. Longoni was beaten and Genoa made it 1-0. Milan Primavera replied with composure, pressing the Genoa side in their area but without finding clear opportunities on goal. The 25th minute saw a great move from Maxi, who slipped between two defenders and was brought down in the area, we were awarded a penalty: Liberali stepped up to the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-1 at PUMA House of Football. The match remained physical and filled with challenges, but there were no other notable chances, meaning the first half ended 1-1.

The second half began without any changes, with AC Milan controlling the pace while Genoa focused on maintaining a solid defensive shape. The first change for the Rossoneri came in the 58th minute, Skoczylas replaced Colombo. Liberali had two attempts to break the deadlock, firstly with a free-kick from a central position which was saved by Lysionok. Then, the number 10 tried to find the far post from a tight angle, but his attempt was deflected. In the 82nd minute, Hodzic set up Skoczylas for a volley but he mishit his shot. The final chance went to the visitors, Longoni made a crucial save and the game went to penalties: Bonomi, Hodzic, Liberali and Perin all scored, while Longoni saved one. AC Milan advanced to the quarter-final. 

LIVE TABLE

AC MILAN 1-1 GENOA; 5-2 after penalties

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Longoni; Colombo (57' Skoczylas), Nissen, Duțu, Perera; Hodzic, Victor (79' Parmiggiani), Sala (90'+2 Perin); Liberali, Scotti (79' Bonomi), Ibrahimović. Subs: Colzani; Comotto, Di Siena, Lamorte, Mancioppi, Perina, Siman. Coach: Guidi.

GENOA (4-3-3): Lysionok; Arata (90'+3 Dorgu), Ferroni, Klisys, Contarini; Grossi, Rossi, Fazio; Papastylianou (71' Nuredini), Arboscello, Ghirardello. Subs: Magalotti; Barbini, Carbone, Colonnese, Deseri, Doucoure, Mendolia, Pagliari, Pallavicini. Coach: Sbravati. 

Referee: Recchia from Brindisi.
Scorers: 6' Papastylianou (G), 25' pen. Liberali (M).
Booked: 61' Klysis (G), 76' Arboscello (G).
Penalty sequence: Bonomi (M) goal; Arboscello (G) wide; Hodzic (M) goal; Ghirardello (G) saved; Liberali (M) goal; Dorgu (G) goal; Perin (M).

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