ROSSONERE ON FIRE: 3-0 WIN IN BOGLIASCO

This was a fourth win in a row, and a third in the league. The Rossonere, after beating Sassuolo and Parma, as well as Lazio in the Coppa Italia, today beat Sampdoria and do not look like slowing down. In the 3-0 win in Bogliasco, AC Milan put in a perfect performance, breaking the deadlock early on and then controlling the game thereafter. Facing a struggling opponent who are pointless since the end of October and possess the worst attack in the tournament, Coach Ganz's team played with the required determination – helped b their superior quality - to take control of matters in the first half. So far it has been an exemplary 2023, as AC Milan have continued their excellent goal-scoring streak, while remaining very solid at the back.

From goals by Mesjasz and Asllani, to the joy of captain Bergamaschi. Among the positive takeaways from today was also the debut of newcomer Nouwen after Bahlouli's announcement. The Rossonere move to 25 points, meaning that the Scudetto and Champions League qualification look like they could be on the cards come the end of the season. There are four Serie A matchdays left and the next one will be a very special occasion, with the Derby taking place at the PUMA House of Football, as AC Milan try to narrow the point gap to first place in the table. Before then, however, the Coppa Italia: on Wednesday 25 January at 14.30 CET, it is the first leg of the quarter-finals in Florence.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SAMPDORIA v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
Asllani was back in the starting lineup and made an impact from the first whistle. Milan went ahead in the 5th minute from a corner: Mascarello crossed and Mesjasz controlled the ball and slotted into the far corner. The Pole scored, celebrated and shortly afterwards found Thomas, who in the 12^th minute attempted a lob but put it over the crossbar. The Rossonere had all the possession and looked very dangerous going forwards. In the 23rd minute, Piemonte had an effort, and in the 28th minute Vigilucci had a shot but lacked power; a rare Sampdoria chance fell to Čonč in the box but she failed to convert. On the half-hour mark, Piemonte's powerful shot almost doubled the lead, denied by Sundsfjord's fantastic save. The second goal soon came, however, 34 minutes in, thanks to Bergamaschi's skill in winning a penalty (she was brought down in the box by Panzeri) and Asllani cooly finished from the penalty spot, sending the keeper the wrong way and finding the bottom corner.

The Blucerchiate made some changes at the start of the second half, butthey did not make the impact that was hoped for in breaking down the AC Milan defence. The Rossonere slowed the game down instead of pushing for a third,making sure they kept the ball. Sudsfjord denied Piemonte, in one of few chances that fell in the second half. In the 78^th minute,  Giuliani saved a free kick struck by Rincón. Grimshaw returned from injury and Nouwen made her debut for the Diavolo, but it was Bergamaschi who found the third goal in the 88th minute when, assisted by Mascarello with a pass that cut through the defence, she unleashed a right-footed shot past Sundsfjord. 3-0, full-time.

MATCH DETAILS

SAMPDORIA 0-3 MILAN

SAMPDORIA (4-3-3): Sundsfjord; Panzeri (58' Giordano), Pettenuzzo, Pisani, Oliviero; Prugna (79' Re), Čonč (58' Rincón), Fallico; Cuschieri (46' Gago), Tarenzi (58' Lopez), Cedeño. Subs.: Brunelli, Fabiano; Seghir, Taleb. Coach: Cincotta.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Giuliani; Guagni (89' Soffia), Mesjasz, Fusetti (89' Nouwen), Vigilucci (89' Thrige); Thomas, Mascarello, Adami (80' Grimshaw), Bergamaschi; Asllani (67' K. Dubcová); Piemonte. Subs.: Babb, Fedele; Carage; M. Dubcová. Coach: Ganz.

Referee: Ancora from Roma.
Goals: 5' Mesjasz (M), 34' pen. Asllani (M), 88' Bergamaschi (M).
Bookings: 86' Vigilucci (M).

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