MILAN FUTURO FALL SHORT TO CASATESE MERATE

What could have been a significant step forward proved to be a setback instead: Milan Futuro were beaten 3–2 by Casatese Merate on Matchday 21 of Serie D, suffering a second consecutive home defeat and continuing a trend that needs correcting as soon as possible. It was a goal-filled but difficult afternoon at Solbiate Arno for the Rossoneri, who found themselves two goals down by the 18th minute following El Hadji’s brace. It was an off day: AC Milan struggled to find rhythm in the first half, and although Traorè’s penalty after the break – his third goal in seven days – briefly reignited hope, it proved little more than a fleeting moment in an otherwise flat performance. Mecca restored Casatese Merate’s two-goal cushion, and Eletu’s consolatory late strike came too late to change the outcome.

Disappointment, regret and mistakes to work on. Oddo’s side are still searching for consistency, with last weekend’s excellent display in Verona remaining an isolated high point. The match can be chalked off as a slip-up along the way, as it's now time to get back to work and improve. The league campaign continues to be turbulent: AC Milan remain on 34 points and are overtaken by Chievo, Villa Valle and Casatese Merate themselves, dropping to fifth place, which would still mean a playoff spot – for now. The next opportunity to bounce back comes on Sunday 1 February at 14:30 CET, away to Scanzorosciate.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM MILAN FUTURO v CASATESE MERATE

MATCH REPORT
Despite a subdued start, Casatese Merate took the lead at the first opening: in the 12th minute Pirola floated a cross over Zukić, and El Hadji rose highest before heading home. The Rossoneri failed to spark into life, allowing the visitors to double their advantage: in the 18th minute, El Hadji created a sharp move inside the box and lashed the ball into the net with power. Aside from the goals, there were very few chances of note. Milan Futuro offered almost nothing going forward, managing only a couple of blocked efforts until the 42nd minute, when Cappelletti crossed and Ossola’s header went close to the post. Traorè tried his luck from a free kick just before half time, but had no success.

Milan Futuro showed signs of improvement after the break and reopened the contest in the 55th minute. Milani brought Traorè down in the box, conceding a penalty, and Traorè coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way before slotting home. The momentum was short-lived, however, as the Brianza side restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd: Mecca collected the ball on the edge of the area, wound up his right foot and found the corner. Milan Futuro pushed again, testing the keeper through Sala and then Borsani, while it took a miracle from Pittarella to deny Mecca from close range in the 66th minute. The Casatese Merate goalkeeper was in outstanding form too: he denied Sia, Sala and Domniței within the space of ten minutes. Hope returned at last when Eletu caught Lionetti out to make it 2–3 in the 81st minute, but it wasn't enough: no late surge followed, and the match ended without further drama.

MATCH DETAILS

MILAN FUTURO 2-3 CASATESE MERATE

MILAN FUTURO (4-3-3): Pittarella; Cappelletti, Vladimirov, Zukić, Karaca (46' Borsani); Sardo (46' Sia), Hodzic (46' Eletu), Sala; Ossola (71' Domniței), Asanji (71' Magrassi), Traorè. Subs: Bouyer; Cullotta, Nolli; Banca. Coach: Oddo.

CASATESE MERATE (3-5-2): Lionetti; Corno, Ferrante, Milani; Pirola (89'), Ndao Mor, Mecca, Mendola, Geddo; El Hadji, Avinci (80' Goffi). Subs: Bragotto; Crotti, Servietti; Braida, Diana, Fortunato, Kabori. Coach: Commisso.

Referee: Moretti from Cesena.
Goals: 12' and 18' El Hadji (CM), 55' pen. Traorè (MF), 62' Mecca (CM), 81' Eletu (MF).
Booked: 44' Ndao Mor (CM), 87' Pirola (CM), 93' Ferrante (CM), 93' Zukić (MF).

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