THE ROSSONERE RECORD THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

AC Milan picked up their first win of the season on matchday three in the women’s Serie A, beating Sassuolo at home. It’s a crucial result for Ganz’s side, one which will boost confidence and sees them move up the league table. The victory came following a match that they interpreted well and took control of early on thanks to Vigilucci’s finish.

The Rossonere dominated the first half and took a two-goal lead into the break, with Grimshaw becoming the second player to find the net. It was a more balanced affair in the second half, during which our girls’ ability to pull together made the difference. Following Jane’s goal for the Neroverde, Mesjasz’s strike sealed a deserved win for the Rossonere, who have only just started to show their true potential and will be looking to really push on in the coming weeks. The team will next take to the pitch in Parma at 14:30 CEST on Saturday 24 September, after which they’ll host Sampdoria on Saturday 1 October.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v SASSUOLO

HOW IT UNFOLDED
Today’s events at the PUMA House of Football started with a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the flooding in the Marche region. Once the game kicked off, Ganz’s girls immediately made their intentions clear: Tucceri Cimini’s cross from the left was met by Vigilucci, who headed in at the near post to give the Rossonere a very early lead. AC Milan didn’t want to stop and continued to put moves together. Following a 15th-minute corner, Bergamaschi sent in a cross-shot that travelled across the area and finished narrowly wide. Five minutes later, Árnadóttir picked out Grimshaw between the lines, with the Scot managing to evade Kresche and convert from a tight angle. Then, Tucceri Cimini whipped in a ball for Thomas, who, however, couldn’t keep it down (28’). The next chance fell to Asllani after a mistake from Sassuolo in their own box. The Swede had a go, but the sting was taken out of her shot by Pleidrup, allowing Kresche to save (32’).

The second half started at a high tempo as Dubcová intercepted a pass from the Sassuolo goalkeeper and found Thomas, but the latter was unable to hit the target. From a missed chance to a goal conceded: the Rossonere failed to clear a ball played in from the left, and former AC Milan player Jane managed to get there first and reduce the arrears from a few yards out. It was a goal that galvanised the visitors, with Clelland firing over with an acrobatic effort on the 54-minute mark. The Neroverde continued to press without creating any clear-cut chances, while Ganz’s side looked to respond on the counter. However, there was a big scare for AC Milan after 72 minutes: Popadinova escaped her marker and let fly, but Giuliani managed to push her attempt behind for a corner. The Rossonere dug deep and added a third in the 81st minute through Mesjasz, who, after battling for the ball with Kresche, managed to find enough space to seal the win. It finished 3-1.

MATCH SUMMARY

AC MILAN 3-1 SASSUOLO 

AC MILAN (3-5-2): Giuliani; Árnadóttir (93' M. Dubcová), Fusetti, Mesjasz; Bergamaschi, Grimshaw, K. Dubcová, Vigilucci (63' Thrige), Tucceri Cimini (63' Soffia); Thomas (93' Carage); Asllani (86' Piemonte). Substitutes: Babb, Beka; Adami, Donolato. Coach: Ganz.

SASSUOLO (4-3-1-2): Kresche; Nowak (46' Popadinova), Filangeri, Pleidrup, Philtjens (89' Tudisco); Pondini, Jane, Tomaselli (66' Moraca), Bellucci (79' Goldoni); Clelland, Bragonzi (46' Dongus). Substitutes: Lauria, Mella, Monterubbiano, Nagy. Coach: Piovani.

Referee: Madonia from Palermo.
Goals: 1' Vigilucci (M), 20' Grimshaw (M), 48' Jane (S), 81' Mesjasz (M)
Booked: 14' Nowak (S), 44' Clelland (S)

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