ROSSONERE RISE AGAIN: 3‑0 AGAINST EMPOLI
Women
A difficult victory, certainly not one to be taken for granted, which is why it was even more convincing. After the defeat at San Siro at the hands of Juventus, the Rossonere picked themselves up and dusted themselves off, recording a 3-0 win over Empoli in a game that they dominated from start to finish. There was no sign of any psycholigical backlash, on the contrary, goals from Jane, Giacinti and Tucceri Cimini sealed the deal against an Empoli side that had been level on points with the Rossonere before kick-off, and had the best attack in the league. An unchanged back three totally nullified the home side's attacking prowess; Vitale, Fusetti and Agard gave Empoli nothing. After a difficult opening period, the team got into their rhythm and got a grip on the game. Three goals, three points; one of their best performances of the season to date, which is sure to give them confidence ahead of next week's Derby against Inter on Sunday 18 October (12:30 CEST).
MATCH REPORT
The Rossonere's first real chance fell to Tucceri Cimini in the 9th minute; the ball fell to the number 27's feet after the corner, she struck it well with her left foot but it sailed just wide of the upright. From one full-back to the other; in the 13th minute, Bergamaschi freed herself down the right before swinging in a cross, which was gathered by the Empoli goalkeeper Fedele. Bergamaschi caused the hosts more problems; her header was, once again, required Fedele's successful intervention. The Rossonere deservedly took the lead in the 23rd minute. Giacinti won the ball deep in her own half and found Jane on the run. The South African only had to put it into an empty net to make it 1-0. As the clock struck half an hour played, the Rossonere had a chance to double their lead. Tucceri Cimini swung in the corner towards Dowie, whose effort flew over the crossbar. Dowie and Giacinti combined again: the England international headed down, Valentina's shot went over.
The game took on largely the same rythm after the break. Ganz's Rossonere continued to be aggressive, push for the second and control the game. Laura Agard wasted a good free-kick (62') before Jane came close to bagging a brace on the counterattack, though her shot was high and wild. Korenčiova, with the help of the crossbar, denied Toniolo in the 78th minute. A few minutes later, Giacinti wrapped the game up with a scything counter: Dowie fed Valeria, who stayed calm to beat Fedele one on one. Tucceri Cimini put the icing on the cake in the last minute: Linda surprise the 'keeper with an effort from the free-kick that flew in at the near post, 3-0.
EMPOLI LADIES 0-3 AC MILAN
Empoli (4-3-3): Fedele; Di Guglielmo, Binazzi, Giatras, De Rita (43' Dompig); Cinotti, Knol, Prugna; Glionna (72' Toniolo), Polli, Acuti. Subs.: Morreale; Brscic, Cappelletti, Miotto, Fabiano, Leonessi, Varriale. Coach: Spugna.
Milan (3-5-2): Korenčiova; Vitale, Agard, Fusetti; Bergamaschi (82' Rizza), Jane, Rask (70' Kuliš), Grimshaw, Tucceri Cimini; Dowie, Giacinti (87' Longo). Subs.: Piazza; Spinelli; Čonč, Mauri; Salvatori Rinaldi, Tamborini. Coach: Ganz.
Referee: Maranesi di Ciampino
Goals: 23' Jane (M), 82' Giacinti (M), 90' Tucceri Cimini (M)
Yellow cards: 54' Binazzi (E), 55' Acuti (E), 74' Giacinti (M), 83' Kuliš (M)
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