THE ROSSONERE WITH A LAST-GASP WIN

Hard fought and exactly what the team wanted. AC Milan Women's first league victory of the season arrived late on, with the Rossonere finally breaking down a tenacious Napoli side thanks to Emelyne Laurent's finish in the 96th minute. On a warm afternoon in Cercola, the two teams were involved in an exciting affair with several chances in the first half. The second half wasn't quite as entertaining, but finished with the French striker's first AC Milan goal after the home side had spurned a number of opportunities.

In the end, AC Milan emerged victorious to get their first points on the board. And they did so after a match where the Rossonere's tenacity and desire to win really came through. A team victory for Ganz's girls, who displayed character and fought for every ball. It was the best way to begin October, during which the Rossonere will be involved in both league and Coppa Italia action. The team's next fixture promises to be an exciting one: at 19:00 CEST on Saturday 7 October, AC Milan v Juventus will be played at the PUMA House of Football.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM NAPOLI v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
Marinelli made her first start for AC Milan, who didn't begin as brightly as Napoli, with Mauri and Friedrichs looking particularly threatening for the hosts. After an opportunity for Stašková, Marinelli produced an excellent header but was thwarted by Bačić (17'). In the 29th minute, Gloria had another attempt (a left-footed strike that finished just off target) for the Rossonere, who were improving as the minutes ticked by. Grimshaw fired narrowly over after being set up by Stašková on the 40-minute mark, while a first-time strike from Dompig two minutes later also didn't result in the opener. The first half ended with a fantastic save from Giuliani, who foiled Chmielinski from close range.

The second half started at a much lower tempo, even if AC Milan maintained control of the ball. After an attempt from Stašková, Dompig had a good chance in the 53rd minute. Napoli weren’t allowing the Rossonere to have much space at all and could have taken the lead through Lázaro (a 72nd-minute lob) and Banusic, who failed to score when one on one with Giuliani in the 77th minute. Bergamaschi did really well to stop Del Estal in her tracks after 82 minutes, while Dompig called Bačić into action a minute later (the post was involved, too). The newly introduced Jonušaitė had a go in the first minute of stoppage time, but her effort from inside the six-yard box was blocked. The Rossonere then had the last word, with Laurent turning home following a Rossonere free-kick. Full-time and 1-0 to AC Milan!

MATCH DETAILS

NAPOLI 0-1 AC MILAN

NAPOLI (4-3-1-2): Bačić; Pettenuzzo, Di Marino, Di Bari, Kobayashi; Chmielinski (69' Corelli), Gallazzi, Friedrichs (57' Giacobbo); Mauri (81' Kajzba); Banusic, Lázaro (81' Del Estal). Subs: Beretta, Fabiano; Veritti, Bertucci, Pellinghelli. Coach: Seno.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Bergamaschi, Árnadóttir (77' Swaby), Fusetti, Thrige (67' Guagni); Grimshaw, Mascarello (59' Adami), Cernoia (77' Jonušaitė); Marinelli (67' Laurent), Stašková, Dompig. Subs: Copetti; Piga; Dubcová; Arrigoni. Coach: Ganz.

Referee: Gangi from Enna.
Goal: 90'+6 Laurent (M).
Booked: 54' Pettenuzzo (N), 73' Bačić (N), 90'+5 Gallazzi (N).

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