ROSSONERE DEFEATED IN VINOVO

Matchday 1 of the Championship Round off to a disappointing start for Coach Ganz's Rossonere. In Vinovo, despite a performance of great character, AC Milan were unable to replicate the two wins obtained in the first part of the league season against the Bianconeri and were defeated 2-0. The final score does not give enough credit to the performance of the Rossonere, who for long stretches of the match dominated the ball but weren’t clinical enough in key moments. The lack of composure in front of goal was costly for AC Milan, who around the half-hour mark missed a penalty kick from Piemonte, while the Bianconeri took their chances in the second half.

Nesrine Bahlouli made her Serie A debut towards the end of the game, coming on for Valentina Bergamaschi, who had hit the post just before Juve took the lead. Ganz's side will look to bounce back at the PUMA House of Football - Sunday 26th March - against Fiorentina, who lost their most recent game against leaders Roma, in the second game of the Championship Round.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM JUVENTUS v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
It was an energetic and intense start, both teams having early chances. The first chance of the match was for Mascarello, who in the 6th minute took a first-time shot from distance without hitting the target. The bianconeri responded in minute 9 with a double chance for Bonansea - stopped by Giuliani - and Beerensteyn, blocked by Nouwen. The Rossonere upped the tempo: in the 24th minute Dubcová hit the post, and just before the half-hour mark Mascarello crossed for Grimshaw, who controlled the ball with her chest and was brought down by Peyraud-Magnin in the box - the referee had no doubt and pointed to the penalty spot. Piemonte took the spot kick but sent it over the crossbar in the 29th minute. The Rossonere did not give up and continued to control possession. At the end of the half Bonansea and Piemonte missed a chance each, 0-0 at half-time.

The first chance of the second half went to Juventus: Beerensteyn dribbled forward and fired in from the centre of the box, Nouwen deflected it behind for a corner in the 53rd minute. The Dutchman, however, made it 1-0 by accelerating past Mesjasz and beating Giuliani with a precise right-footed effort. The Rossonere reacted immediately: Thrige's cross and Bergamaschi's left-footed shot hit the post in the 57th minute. The Bianconeri dropped deep and offered little space for AC Milan. In the 67th minute it was Piemonte again who tried to equalise with a left-footed shot, blocked by Peyraud-Magnin. The final action was all Rossonere, but attempts by Vigilucci and Thomas found no luck. Late in added time Beerensteyn won a penalty, which was coolly converted by Caruso: it ended 2-0.

MATCH DETAILS

JUVENTUS 2-0 AC MILAN

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin; Gama (80' Nildén), Salvai, Sembrant, Lenzini; Girelli (93' Duljan), Grosso, Caruso; Bonansea (62' Cantore), Nyström, Beerensteyn. Subs: Aprile, Forcinella; Simon; Pfattner, Schatzer; Gunnarsdóttir. Coach: Montemurro.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Árnadóttir, Mesjasz, Nouwen, Thrige; Grimshaw, Mascarello (75' Adami), Dubcová K. (62' Vigilucci); Bergamaschi (82' Bahlouli), Piemonte, Thomas. Subs: Babb, Fedele; Fusetti, Soffia; Cesarini; Dubcová M. Coach: Ganz.

Referee: Monaldi from Macerata.
Goals: 55' Beerensteyn (J), 90'+5 pen. Caruso (J).
Booked: 7' Bergamaschi (M), 45' Mascarello (M), 77' Árnadóttir (M).

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