A LAST‑GASP WIN FOR THE ROSSONERE
Women
The Rossonere claimed an incredible, though somewhat unexpected, victory, as they mounted a stunning late comeback to beat Genoa by two goals to one on opening day. Ijeh equalised in the 84th minute and Koivisto netted the winner in the 97th, following a long siege by the Rossonere. Newly promoted Genoa played well and often threatened on the counter, but they came undone due to Bakker's team's sustained and immense self-belief.
After a balanced first half, with more chances falling the way of the Rossonere, the hosts took the lead through Søndergaard. We had the odd chance just after the break, ahead of the final flurry: Bargi hit the post for Genoa in the 83rd minute, before the Rossonere turned it around through Ijeh and Koivisto. It's a good start to the campaign, and next up, we face a stern test in Roma next Sunday afternoon.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM GENOA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossonere started on the front foot. In the ninth minute, Ijeh looked for Dompig in the area, but it was cut out by the defence. Two minutes later, a cross-cum-shot almost caught Giuliani off guard, but she did well to keep it out, and Acuti then failed to convert on the rebout. Soffia then rose highest in the box, but she sent her effort just wide (24'). It was Ijeh again in the 32nd minute, as she used her body well and fired off target. On the stroke of half-time, Genoa opened the scoring. A well-worked free-kick routine got Di Criscio into some space, she flicked it on, and Søndergaard turned it home from two yards out.
The Rossonere started the second half strongly too, and just one minute in, Renzotti found Dompig free in the box, but Chanté failed to convert. Bakker shuffled the pack and sent on Mascarello, Van Dooren and Kyvåg. In the 83rd, Genoa had a huge chance to put the game beyond all doubt, but Bargi's effort hit the post. On the ensuing counter, the game changed. Dompig played in a stunning cross for Ijeh, who headed into the corner to make it 1-1. AC Milan kept up the pressure, forcing two big saves from Forcinella. They then got their winner in the seventh minute of added time. Arrigoni saw her shot blocked, but Koivisto latched onto the loose ball and headed home. Victory!
MATCH DETAILS
GENOA 1-2 AC MILAN
GENOA (4-2-3-1): Forcinella; Vigilucci, Lipman, Di Criscio, Curray (65' Giles); Hilaj, Massa (65' Cuschieri); Monterubbiano (65' Giacobbo), Cinotti (81' Ferrara), Acuti; Søndergaard (74' Bargi). Subs.: Korenčiová, Marchetti; Abate, Bahr, Bettalli, Lucafo, Mele. Coach: De La Fuente.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Koivisto, De Sanders, Piga (89' Park), Soffia; Cernoia (73' Van Dooren), Cesarini (65' Mascarello), Arrigoni; Renzotti (65' Kyvåg), Ijeh, Dompig. Subs.: Estévez Ogalla, Tornaghi; Donolato, Keijzer; Appiah. Coach: Bakker.
Referee: Bianchi.
Goals: 45' Søndergaard (G), 84' Ijeh (M), 90'+7 Koivisto (M)
Booked: 36'st Mascarello (M), 48'st Hilaj (G)
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