DUBCOVÁ RELAUNCHES AC MILAN: 3-0 AGAINST SASSUOLO

The best kind of success is desired and deserved: AC Milan Women are back to winning ways in the first leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. It finished 3-0 to the Rossonere at Sassuolo, who are a step closer to the semi-finals thanks to a splendid brace from Kamila Dubcová. The ex-Sassuolo player opened the scoring after just a minute and thirty seconds, getting the afternoon in Emilia off to the best start before she doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, bagging her third in the final moments of the 90. Header, left-footed shot, right-footed shot: a complete triple threat that secured victory after almost 3 months without.

The important result arrived after a convincing performance, from the excellent first half to the second 45 where Corti’s side knew how to manage the hosts' attempts to get back into it, risking very little to ensure the result. Compliments to all, with a special mention for Gosia Mesjasz who was back from injury for the first time since last April. The second leg will be played in three weeks, at the start of February: but first, there is the league, starting with the important home game against Como Women on Monday 22. Forza Ragazze!

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM SASSUOLO v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
It only took 90 seconds for the Rossonere to go ahead, playing in the third kit: Laurent crossed from the right and Dubcová got her head to it to beat Lonni. Corti’s side kept up the pressure and almost doubled the lead in the 6th minute through Piga, who barely missed from a great distance. After the intense start, it slowed down a bit with Babb not being surprised by Sciabica’s shot from distance in the 16th minute. AC Milan doubled their advantage in the 26th minute, deserved for what they had done so far on the pitch: Lonni made a mistake in her set-up, leaving the ball at Dubcová’s feet who bagged number 2 of the day. It was all Rossonere who went close to a third in the 33rd minute with Stašková. The Czech forward also sent it out with a back-heeled shot in the 40th minute. 

The start of the second half looked better for the hosts who pushed forwards in the hopes of pulling one back. The best chances came for the substitute Sabatino, well controlled by Babb between the sticks, particularly in the 63rd minute. Sassuolo had the possession but AC Milan was organised in defence, risking very little in the shots from Kullashi and Mihelič. And in the 79th minute, the Rossonere put it to bed: nice cross from Marinelli on the right, Dubcová received it in the area and scored to seal her first hat-trick for AC Milan. In the final moments, Grimshaw almost made it four: it ended 3-0 to the Rossonere who have the Coppa Italia semi-finals firmly in their sights!

MATCH DETAILS

SASSUOLO 0-3 AC MILAN

SASSUOLO (4-3-3): Lonni; Orsi, Passeri, Filangeri, Mella; Tudisco (57' Kullashi), Pondini (70' Missipo), Santoro (77' Prugna); Sciabica (57' Sabatino), Poje Mihelič, Monterubbiano (57' Beccari). Subs: Durand; Philtjens, Pleidrup; Brignoli. Coach: Piovani.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Babb; Soffia, Mesjasz, Piga, Bergamaschi; Rubio (58' Vigilucci), Cernoia (77' Mascarello), Dubcová; Laurent (72' Dompig), Stašková (72' Marinelli), Asllani (58' Grimshaw). Subs: Giuliani; Árnadóttir, Fusetti, Swaby. Coach: Corti.

Referee: Sfira from Pordenone.
Goals: 2', 26' and 79' Dubcová (M).
Booked: 37' Mella (S).
Sent-off: 43' Piovani (S).

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