ROSSONERE BEATEN BY SASSUOLO

Desire and character weren't enough for the Rossonere, who fell to a 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo on matchday 16 in the women's Serie A division. The winning goal at the Stadio Ricci was scored by Sabatino, who netted from the penalty spot shortly after the half-hour mark. After a lively start, the game slowed down somewhat, with the hosts also happy to sit back after taking the lead. A big opportunity has thus gone begging for AC Milan, who paid the price for a below-par performance after two comfortable wins against the same side in the Coppa Italia.

It’s a costly result because the Rossonere now trail fifth place by eight points with two matchdays left of the regular season, meaning a place in the championship round is mathematically out of reach. During the next stage of the season, the team will thus be involved in the relegation round (Poule Salvezza). Coach Corti’s girls now need to put this defeat behind them and bounce back with conviction. Their next game will be away to Sampdoria on Wednesday 14 February.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SASSUOLO v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
The match started at a high tempo, with the Neroverdi immediately looking to take the game to AC Milan. After just two minutes, a Clelland free-kick was saved by Giuliani. The Rossonere responded through Nadim, who had a go from distance in the sixth minute and, from a Dubcová assist, let fly with an effort that was too close to the goalkeeper two minutes later. After a Giuliani stop to deny Clelland (11'), the pace of the match dropped and the chances dried up. This remained the case until the 32nd minute, when Soffia was penalised for a foul on Sabatino, who then stepped up to send Giuliani the wrong way from the penalty spot. The Rossonere thus went into the break one behind.

Laurent, who had just come on, immediately tried to get AC Milan back level at the start of the second half, but her effort from a tight angle was saved by Durand (46'). The Rossonere were doing the attacking, with Sassuolo sitting deep and remaining compact. Laurent, Soffia and Mascarello all tried to break down the Neroverdi wall, but to no avail (56'). Coach Corti made changes, but the Rossonere were struggling to create major chances despite winning plenty of corners. A late siege on the home side's goal - Durand kept out attempts from Laurent (88') and Vigilucci (89') - didn't lead to a leveller, and it finished 1-0 to Sassuolo.

MATCH DETAILS

SASSUOLO 1-0 AC MILAN

SASSUOLO (4-3-3): Durand; Mella, Filangeri, Pleidrup, Philtjens; Pondini, Missipo, Prugna; Kullashi, Clelland (77' Poje Mihelič), Sabatino (62' Beccari) (85' Monterubbiano). Subs: Lonni; Orsi, Passeri, Santoro, Sciabica, Simon. Coach: Piovani.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Bergamaschi (69' Guagni), Piga, Mesjasz, Soffia (77' Fusetti); Dubcová (46' Vigilucci), Mascarello (69' Ijeh), Grimshaw; Dompig, Stašková, Nadim (46' Laurent). Subs: Babb; Cesarini; Arrigoni, Marinelli. Coach: Corti.

Referee: Scarpa from Collegno.
Goal: 33' pen. Sabatino (S).
Booked: 7' Pleidrup (S), 30' Piga (M), 32' Soffia (M), 38' Mesjasz (M).

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