10‑MAN AC MILAN SUFFER CUP ELIMINATION
Coppa Italia
AC Milan's return to the football pitch was a bitter one. At the Allianz Stadium in Turin, a 0-0 stalemate in the semi-final second-leg clash between the Rossoneri and the Bianconeri in the Coppa Italia saw Juve qualify for the final on away goals following the 1-1 draw at San Siro in the first leg. A real shame, both in terms of the result and the events that took place during the match. In particular, Rebić's sending-off early on was a real blow. The game changed straight away, with the Rossoneri facing an uphill task: a man down, the team hung in there but, despite the desire and focus shown, weren't able to score or really put the hosts under pressure. AC Milan thus suffered elimination after playing out two draws, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth. One positive was the first-team debut of Lorenzo Colombo at just 18 years of age. Also noteworthy was the emotional minute's silence held before the match to commemorate those who have fallen victim to Covid-19 and in honour of all the healthcare workers fighting in this battle. All that remains for AC Milan to focus on is the league, with the Diavolo looking to secure a spot in Europe: at 19:30 CEST on Monday 22 June, AC Milan will face Lecce at the Via del Mare.
MATCH REPORT
Juventus began brightly as Douglas Costa fired narrowly wide of the far post following Alex Sandro's pull-back after just two minutes. With the home side continuing to push forward, they were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute after Conti was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort bounce off the base of the upright and away. But just as AC Milan were breathing a sigh of relief, Rebić was sent off for a high challenge on Danilo. Things had just got harder. The Diavolo were holding firm but struggling to threaten. In the 31st minute, Donnarumma had to be alert to deny Matuidi from close range. AC Milan had the first opportunity of the second half: Bonaventura broke down the right before whipping in a ball for Çalhanoğlu, who headed wide. The game then became bogged down, with no player on either side able to provide any real spark. AC Milan kept battling away: efforts from Paquetá and Çalhanoğlu after 72 and 75 minutes were weak, while Kjær's header from a corner in the 79th minute was imprecise. Juventus went back on the attack, Dybala stinging Gigio's gloves with 80 minutes on the clock. During the closing stages, only the home side looked like scoring. Then, the full-time whistle was blown.
JUVENTUS 0-0 AC MILAN
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Buffon; Danilo (86' Cuadrado), Bonucci, De Ligt, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic (62' Khedira), Matuidi (62' Rabiot); Douglas Costa (63' Bernardeschi), Dybala, Ronaldo. Subs: Szczesny, Pinsoglio; De Sciglio, Rugani; Muratore; Olivieri, Vrioni, Zanimacchia. Coach: Sarri.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Conti (88' Saelemaekers), Kjær, Romagnoli, Calabria (88' Laxalt); Kessie (82' Krunić), Bennacer; Paquetá (82' Colombo), Bonaventura (52' Leão), Çalhanoğlu; Rebić. Subs: Begović, A. Donnarumma; Gabbia, Laxalt; Biglia, Brescianini, Saelemaekers; Maldini, Olzer. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Orsato from Schio.
Booked: 19' Conti (M), 43' Pjanic (J), 74' Khedira (J).
Sent Off: 16' Rebić (M).
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