ROSSONERE LOSE IN THE FIRST ROUND: 2‑1 TO INTER
Women
The first leg of the Coppa Italia Femminile semi-final goes to Inter, who were victorious in a hard-fought if not spectacular Derby. It ended 2-1 at the Stadio Breda in Sesto San Giovanni. The game was decided by three goals in the first few minutes. AC Milan went two goals down (Marinelli and Møller scored) without even realising it, but did manage to get one back through Valetina Giacinti. The captain tried to spur her team onwards to victory, especially in the second half when the Nerazzurre had virtually stopped attacking. The Rossonere made a raft of changes both to personnel and formation and looked good at times, though they paid for a poor start and couldn't create enough chances to turn it around. Qualification will go down to the wire in the second leg at Vismara in a month's time. Next weekend, the league returns with the Diavolo in action on Sunday 21 March against Empoli at home. A game that is anything but predictable and crucial to the league table.
MATCH REPORT
It started as Derbies so often do. An instant shock for AC Milan who, in the fourth minute, conceded a penalty for a handball by Fusetti in the box. Korenčiová denied Rincón from the spot but Marinelli turned home on the rebound. There was barely even time to digest the first goal and AC Milan conceded a second (12'); Møller's effort skimmed the crossbar and nestled into the top corner. The Rossonere had the strength to pick themselves up and, in the 14th minute, they got a goal back; Rask found Giacinti in behind and the captain beat the goalkeeper with a deft finish. Valentina then threatened again with a shot from the edge of the area, which flew over the bar (20'). After these opening salvoes, the first half proceeded with very little action until half time.
Both sides found it tough to get going after the break, due in part to the strong wind that swept the Stadio Breda. The Rossonere had the run of possession but had to wait until the 71st minute for their first chance of note in the second half; Grimshaw's shot hit the post. A few seconds later, Dowie - supplied with a brilliant ball from Giacinti - was denied by Gilardi from close range. Later, Debever also hit the post from a corner (77'). Hasagawa's chance from Giacinti's pass was the final vain hope for the Diavolo. Full time.
Maurizio Ganz after the game: "Inter won a battle, we want to win the war. When you gift your opponents two goals, it's to recovery but we reacted with Valentina Giacinti's goal. The first half wasn't good but we were great in the second. After the break, we made a lot of errors - maybe the wind affected us more than them. We have the second leg to make things right and are well aware of both the errors and the positives from today. We're starting again from zero; now, we'll turn our attention to Empoli in the league and then there'll be time later to think about the second leg in the Coppa Italia."
MATCH DETAILS
INTER 2-1 AC MILAN
INTER (4-3-3): Gilardi; Merlo, Debever, Alborghetti, Brustia; Pandini, Catelli, Rincón; Marinelli, Møller, Mauro (83' Tarenzi). Subs.: Aprile; Auvinen, Passeri, Vergani; Gallazzi; Baresi, Pavan. Coach: Sorbi.
AC MILAN (4-3-1-2): Korenčiová; Bergamaschi, Fusetti, Agard, Tucceri Cimini (82' Kuliš); Rask, Čonč (88' Mauri); Grimshaw; Hasegawa; Giacinti, Dowie. Subs.: Piazza; Rizza, Vitale; Morleo, Simic; Coda, Tamborini. Coach: Ganz.
Referee: Ricci from Florence
Goals: 4' Marinelli (I), 12' Møller (I), 14' Giacinti (M).
Booked: 35' Pandini (I), 64' Merlo (I), 93' Grimshaw (M).
Notes: Korenčiová (M) saved Rincón's (I) penalty (4').
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