UNDER-⁠17, A DISPLAY OF STRENGTH AND MATURITY

 "A big task". AC Milan U17 beat Atalanta 1-0 to overturn a 3-2 loss in the first leg and our now into the Scudetto Final Four. Coach Lantignotti - just after the final whistle - was quick to laud his players: "Exceptional first half and we got ourselves over the line in the second half with a lot of character. We deserved even more."

The Rossoneri started aggressively and looked to get on the front foot and create chances. They hit the bar, they hit the post and, most importantly, they scored. AC Milan's first-half showing was indicative of a strong and mature side, that knows how to come from behind and win. After the break, meanwhile, they had to dig deep and see out the game, which was made more difficult by a sending off to Ferroni - a setback but also a chance to show great spirit and heart.

Longhi decided it on an action-packed afternoon at Vismara. Longhi was the top scorer in the regular season and turned matchwinner again against Atalanta with a goal that was beautiful as it was vital. His effort from the edge of the box nestled into the corner and saw the Rossoneri go through ahead of the Dea given their superior placement in the regular-season table.

Now, it's time for a straight knockout tie with Bologna in Fermo on Sunday 19 June, which will decide who goes into the final on the 21st (against the winner of Roma v Inter). But we need to first focus on the Rossoblù, who finished top of Group A on 49 points and more recently eliminated Juventus. "The road goes on. We'll get some players back and recover our energy," Lantignotti said, "and then we'll see."


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