DERBY DELIGHT FOR THE ROSSONERE
Women
It was a bittersweet day for AC Milan. On the one hand, they recorded a fine derby victory, beating Inter 3-0 thanks to goals from Thomas, Boureille and Tucceri Cimini and, in the process, gaining revenge for their defeat in the reverse fixture. On the other hand, their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are now over following Roma’s win this afternoon. The Rossonere dominated proceedings against the Nerazzurre, displaying real heart and hunger. It was an excellent team performance where their strength and quality came to the fore. After a controlled first-half display, they really stepped it up in the second half, eventually running out clear and deserved winners.
Thomas has now reached double figures in the league for the first time in a single Serie A season, while Boureille bagged her first AC Milan goal - and what a special occasion to do so. As for Tucceri Cimini, she registered an assist and scored with one of her trademark free kicks. On matchday 21, everything has been decided at the top: Juventus are officially the champions for the fifth time in a row, while Ganz’s girls - now with 46 points to their name - will finish in third place. Next week at Vismara, the Rossonere will play their last fixture of the campaign against the Bianconere, and they’ll be aiming to end a demanding and yet positive season in the best way possible. Just one game remains before they reflect on what they’ve done.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM INTER v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
Codina returned to the starting eleven, as did Thrige. Meanwhile, Fusetti became the first player to reach 100 AC Milan appearances. Bergamaschi had the first chances of the game: first, she was beaten to the ball in front of goal following Thomas’ cross in her direction (3’); then, after being picked out by Árnadóttir, she failed to hit the target with a header (11’). AC Milan were rewarded for their good start, finding the net after a dazzling move (17'). Adami sent it forward to Guangi, who crossed in for Thomas to head home. The Nerazzurre struggled to muster a reaction, although they did have the better of the chances before the break. Simonetti had two chances to score (26' and 32'), as did Pandini; Giuliani stood firm on all three occasions. Then, both Árnadóttir and Codina were forced off the pitch through injury. There was plenty of fight but very little excitement. 1-0 at the break.
The Rossonere got off to a lightning-fast start in the second half as they doubled their lead in the 49th minute through Boureille, who picked up a yard of space in the box and turned home from Tucceri Cimini’s corner. Moments later, Celeste went close to bagging her second and the Rossonere’s third, but her effort struck the frame of the goal. Piemonte sent an attempt over in the 58th minute before Tucceri Cimini hit the back of the net two minutes later: her sweetly-struck free kick on the edge of the box left goalkeeper Durante rooted to the spot. AC Milan then began to drop off as Inter tried to claw their way back into the game. Marinelli twice missed the target late on, and Giuliani produced a stellar stop to deny Nchout in the 88th minute. The Diavolo almost grabbed a fourth, but Durante denied Thomas and Longo had her effort blocked. Full-time.
MATCH DETAILS
INTER 0-3 AC MILAN
INTER (4-3-3): Durante; Sønstevold, Kathellen, Alborghetti, Merlo (53' Landström); Simonetti (46' Brustia), Karchouni (72' Regazzoli), Csiszàr; Nchout, Bonetti (63' Polli), Pandini (63' Marinelli). Subs: Girardi; Kristjánsdóttir; Santi; Portales. Coach: Guarino.
AC MILAN (3-4-3): Giuliani; Codina (40' Tucceri Cimini), Fusetti, Árnadóttir (31' Agard); Guagni, Adami (76' Longo), Boureille, Thrige; Thomas, Piemonte, Bergamaschi (76' Jane). Subs: Babb, Cazzioli; Cortesi, Miotto, Stapelfeldt. Coach: Ganz.
Referee: Di Graci from Como.
Goals: 17' Thomas (M), 49' Boureille (M), 60' Tucceri Cimini (M).
Booked: 37' Simonetti (I), 78' Jane (M).
Match KITs, clothing, accessories, gift ideas and much more: visit the AC Milan online Store!
