UNDER‑18, STARTING FROM THE BACK

Recent results have backed up certain characteristics of Coach Terni's side and their current moment. In fact, in the last two outings the Rossoneri have collected two draws, both 0-0: solid in defence but blunt in attack. The class of 2006 continue to be strong in organisation and attention defensively, but are paying the price for a lack of conviction in front of goal. It is common belief that league titles are often won by teams who concede the fewest goals, and our Under-18s can therefore count on very strong foundations.

The season they are involved in is still long and has so far pulled up many surprises and league positional changes. Coming back from behind twice in Cagliari had lifted the Rossoneri to the top of the table early on in the campaign, while the draw away at, at that time, league leaders Empoli had instead left some regret, despite extending their positive run of form. From then on, however, Coach Terni's side has lost their way slightly.

After the 0-0 draw at Empoli at the beginning of December, the Rossoneri then drew with Bologna (1-1) at the PUMA House of Football before suffering defeat in Bergamo (3-2). They then followed up by beating Roma - current league leaders - 2-1. The U18s are currently firmly placed in the playoff zone, once again compact and solid despite not having found consistency. These latest goalless draws against winnable teams, Parma and Torino, must not undermine the certainties and beliefs of the young Rossoneri, who have certainly deserved better luck.

The league table's value is all relative; the main objective is to develop day after day. In any case, AC Milan boast the best defence in the league, with only 13 goals in the against column, and no other side can better their two defeats: seven clean sheets in sixteen games is certainly a positive record. Next up for Terni's lads is a tricky trip to Genoa, who are just three points behind, to try and close out the first half of the season with a win.

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