UNDER 17s, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN DEFENCE AND HESITATION

The Under-17s showed no signs of stopping and have won three more crucial points on Matchday 9 of the league season. At the PUMA House of Football, the Rossoneri defeated Südtirol 4-0, an important result in a rough match that brought with it the first clean sheet of the season. Bonomi's goal in the 15th minute opened the scoring, but it took until the final quarter of an hour to extend the lead with goals from Perina, Bonomi again, and Di Siena, which sealed the deserved victory.

The team seemed to be growing steadily and, since the comeback win in the Derby, have changed pace and gained awareness. Against the Altoatesini, AC Milan imposed their style with authority and confidence for the whole ninety minutes, pushing without exception, especially with their full-backs - employed as additional wingers. Lots of crosses came from both flanks but were not put away, partly due to the compactness and organisation of the hosts’ defence. The fourth and final goal certainly satisfied Coach Lantignotti: "The attitude with which the boys played has left me happy, we kept a high line and we must carry on like this."

The defence is waiting for new tests to prove its solidity, but the coaches’ attention is mainly focused on putting chances away. Keeping the game alive despite numerous chances at to put it to bed could cost them dearly in the future. And even against Südtirol, the lead could have been much larger, considering they hit the woodwork twice. The attack is consistent - 27 goals in eight matches this season - but they could be more efficient. This is what the coach had to say about it: "We don't put away easy chances in front of goal. We create a lot of opportunities but waste a lot in the final phase and this leads us to vulnerable."

The third consecutive victory has also opened up several interesting opportunities for the Rossoneri's Under 17s, who currently occupy fourth place in the league on 16 points, with a game in hand over the opponents ahead of them. A week's break now awaits the Rossoneri, who will be able to work on growing and consolidating their strengths. First the midweek game against Cagliari at the PUMA House of Football, then the away match at Como.

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