ROSSONERE: VICTORY AND A TICKET TO THE COPPA ITALIA QUARTERS
Women
The Rossonere secured their second win in just a few days, seeing off Freedom 2-0 in Cuneo in their first Coppa Italia match of the season. Second-half goals from Stokić and Marinelli earned them a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Fiorentina, who won 1-0 against Arezzo. It was another positive afternoon for the team, building on the three points they claimed on Sunday against Sassuolo, thanks to a goal from Ijeh.
The match in Cuneo was also a milestone for several players: Marinelli scored her first goal of the season, while Stokić netted her very first goal for the team, in just her second consecutive start. For Erin Cesarini, the match marked her debut for the first team, coming on in the 75th minute after playing a key role in last season's Primavera Scudetto. With the Round of 16 now behind them, the team shifts focus to their next league match, a big clash against league leaders Juventus, set for Saturday at 16:00 CET in Biella.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF FREEDOM V AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossonere created plenty of chances in the first half. After a slow start, they quickly found their rhythm and dominated in the opponent’s penalty area. Korenčiová, a key former player along with Sara Tamborini, was called into action, particularly on Soffia's effort in the 22nd minute. Another important opportunity fell to Koivisto, who missed with a right-foot shot wide of the post in the 23rd minute. Soffia had another go in the 24th, but her attempt lacked accuracy, and in the 37th minute, Swaby came close with a volley from a Marinelli cross. The Rossonere continued to step up their intensity. In the 38th minute, Stokić hit the post, and a minute later, she set up Swaby for a one-on-one with the keeper, who made another save. A golden chance came in the 43rd minute for Karczewska, who failed to score with an open goal. Just before the break, Korenčiová made a crucial save on Mascarello's shot in the 45th minute.
The second half began with a change, with Rubio coming on for Mesjasz. Korenčiová was called into action three times in the first quarter of an hour, first saving from Stokić, then from Koivisto, and once more from Mascarello. The goals finally came in the 67th minute, with Stokić breaking the deadlock with her first official goal for the first team, and just three minutes later, Marinelli doubled the lead. It was a good spell for the Rossonere, who looked to extend their advantage with the introduction of Nadim, who created two great opportunities to score, a backheel in the 69th minute and a header in the 85th, but once again Korenčiová was equal to the task. Cesarini, Arrigoni, and Sevenius all came on, and in the final moments, Laura Giuliani made a crucial save on Tamborini.
MATCH DETAILS
FREEDOM 0-2 AC MILAN
FREEDOM: Korenčiová; Maffei, Brscic, Santamaria (73' Giuliano), Stankova, Borello (62' Devoto), Semanova, Dicataldo (73' Tamborini), Cuciniello (78' Marenco), Pasquali (73' Diaz Ferrer), Imprezzabile. Unused subs: Nucera; Marenco, Tudisco, Battaglioli, Micheli. Coach: Ardito.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Koivisto, Swaby, Piga (74' Sevenius), Soffia (74' Arrigoni); Ijeh (74' Cesarini), Mesjasz (46' Rubio), Mascarello; Marinelli, Karczewska, Stokić (68' Nadim). Unused subs: Fedele, Tornaghi; Sorelli; Appiah. Coach: Bakker.
Referee: Mazzer di Conegliano.
Goals: 67' Stokić (M), 70' Marinelli (M).
The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2024/25 are available: buy them now!
