DEFEAT FOR THE PRIMAVERA AGAINST EMPOLI

A dark period which doesn't seem as if it will end. The Primvavera fell to defeat against Empoli and increase their winless streak to four games in the league. It ended 1-0 to the Tuscan side, who were rewarded just before the break through a lucky goal from Popov, despite the Rossoneri putting in a solid performance, especially early on. After the great reaction against Monza on Monday, our Under 20 side came into a crucial clash, needing to win to reignite their play-off hopes. The defeat, however, complicates their post-season plans.

After a promising start, as mentioned, Coach Guidi's side (suspended, in the stands) gradually lost momentum and conceded at the end of the first half. In the second half, they showed lots of courage but failed to come up with ideas to bounce back, apart from a few sporadic moves on the wings. The ten days of rest will now be fundamental before the side return to action against Lazio on matchday 35, away again on Monday 28 April at 16:00 CESt. The road to the play-offs is not yet decided and our hopes are still alive. Let's do this, lads! 

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM EMPOLI v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri got off to an aggressive start, driven by the energy of Mattia Liberali, who dribbled and shot in the second minute, but his effort was blocked by a defender. In the fifth minute, Bonomi cut in on his left and put the ball in, but no one could arrive in time. Comotto and Tartaglia were key and started some moves, but the Empoli goalkeeper, Vertua, was very aware and came out to deny the number 34. The tempo slowed down a bit and Empoli started to get a hold of the game, without creating many clear chances. In the 42nd minute, the home side scored: Longoni responded well to the first header from the corner, Popov hit the post first and then the ball took a strange bounce, deceiving both Paloschi and Longoni. 

The second half began and Milan Primavera were intent on scoring an equaliser, but the chances created didn't prove any real danger for Vertua. In the 58th minute, Bonomi could not find Scotti and then two minutes later Liberali played a great ball to Perrucci, whose cross couldn't find a teammate. In the 72nd minute, Empoli went close to doubling their lead through Brayan, who shot to the left of the goal. Ten minute later, Asanji got his head to the ball but couldn't generate enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. After five minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew for full time: Empoli won 1-0. 

Coach Guidi shared his thoughts after the game: "It's a shame having to comment on a game in which we created chances and conceded very little, all it took was a corner and then we couldn't come back. It happened against Monza, we have to learn and improve. The team is consistently in control on the pitch, we must take another step, attacking the spaces in a better way to get what we deserve. I can't fault the commitment, approach and intensity from the team, we created and pushed a lot". 

MATCH DETAILS

EMPOLI 1-0 AC MILAN

EMPOLI (3-5-2): Vertua; Moray, Fălcușan, Mannelli; El Biache, Baud Banaga (68' Trdan), Matteazzi (85' Di Leva), Baralla (85' Huqi), Barsotti (81' Majdandzic); Popov, Brayan (81' Zanaga). Unused subs.: Versari, Di Leva, Egan, Scienza, Rugani, Olivieri, Tordiglione. Coach.: Filippeschi.   

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Longoni; Magni, Paloschi, Nissen, Tartaglia (78' Parmiggiani), Sala (78' Asanji), Hodzic, Comotto, Liberali (67' Ossola), Scotti, Bonomi (59' Perrucci). Unused subs.: Pittarella; Cappelletti, Lamorte, Perin, Perina, Skoczylas. Coach.: Cupi.

Arbitro: Pezzopane from L'Aquila.
Goalscorer: 42' Popov (E).
Booked: 32' Magni (M), 53' Vertua (E), 90+4' Comotto (M).

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