A FIERCE FIGHTBACK FROM AC MILAN AT SAN SIRO
Coppa Italia
Get in! Having levelled the game in stoppage time and then scored two more in the second half of extra time, AC Milan triumphed 4-2 over Torino and progressed through to the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the third season in a row. It was a game full of twists and turns that seemed to have got away from the Rossoneri at one point, but they never gave up and they got their reward in the end. Çalhanoğlu was the man who inspired the comeback, scoring two goals to level the game and take us back in front, Bonaventura and Ibrahimović both also getting their names on the scoresheet, the latter with his first goal at San Siro since his return. A great and important result that means Milan face Juve in the next round (two legs). It was a performance full of heart and desire as ‘Il Diavolo’ refused to lie down, fighting to win the game no matter what, showing signs of real positivity and growth in this side. The touching tribute to Kobe Bryant must also be mentioned, with all 36,462 fans observing a minute’s silence before kick-off and then applauding during the 24th minute of the game. AC Milan now turn their attentions to their next fixture, as they host Hellas Verona in the league on Sunday 2 February at 15:00 CET.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN 4-2 TORINO
MATCH REPORT
Rebić looked lively right from the off, and after a blocked shot and a great one-two with Hernández, he found an assist for Bonaventura in the 12th minute: our Croatian forward drilling it across the box for Jack to stroll in and tap into an empty net. The Rossoneri continued to attack, Castillejo and Rebić both looking dangerous, but it was Torino who struck next with an equaliser in the 34th minute: Verdi set Bremer free and the defender beat the onrushing Donnarumma to pull the scores level. The Rossoneri returned to the front foot and Krunić just couldn’t keep his header down in the 44th minute. More chances arrived at the start of the second half, Romagnoli’s header in the 58th minute flying off target. However, AC Milan were caught cold in the 71st minute as Bremer scored his second to gift Torino the lead, heading Aina’s cross into the corner of the net. AC Milan surged forwards in search of a leveller, and they found it right at the death thanks to Çalhanoğlu’s thunderous strike. Ibrahimović had a chance to win it in injury time but blazed his shot over from just yards out. Into extra time we went. Hakan had a superb chance in the 95th minute after Leão’s pass, but Sirigu did brilliantly to keep him out. Hernández then found himself through in minute 103, but he couldn’t quite chip it over the opposition keeper to put his side ahead. However, Milan made no mistake with their next two chances, running away with the game after two goals in minute 106 and 108, Çalha firing one in with his left and Ibra slotting home with his right to send Milan through to the semis.
AC MILAN 4-2 TORINO (AET)
AC MILAN (4-4-2): G. Donnarumma; Conti, Kjær, Romagnoli, Hernández; Castillejo, Krunić (82' Çalhanoğlu), Bennacer, Bonaventura (76' Leão); Piątek (65' Ibrahimović), Rebić (106' Kessie). Subs: Begović, A. Donnarumma; Calabria, Gabbia; Paquetá; Suso. Coach: Pioli.
TORINO (3-4-2-1): Sirigu; Izzo, Nkoulou, Bremer (83' Djidji); De Silvestri (112' Laxalt), Rincon (112' Lyanco), Lukic, Aina; Verdi, Berenguer (90' Millico); Belotti. Subs: Rosati, Ujkani; Singo; Adopo; Millico. Coach: Mazzarri.
Referee: Pasqua from Tivoli.
Goals: 12' Bonaventura (M), 34' e 71' Bremer (T), 91' e 106' Çalhanoğlu (M), 108' Ibrahimović (M).
Booked: 22' Rincon (T), 30' Hernández (M), 37' Izzo (T), 37' Rebić (M), 53' Kjær (M), 75' Krunić (M), 93' Conti (M), 98' Mazzarri (T), 111' Ibrahimović (M).
Tickets for AC Milan v Juventus, the first leg of the 2019/20 Coppa Italia semi-final will soon be available!
