VAN DOOREN LEADS AC MILAN TO A 2‑1 VICTORY OVER GENOA
Women
February in Serie A Women kicks off the same way January ended for Suzanne Bakker's AC Milan: with Kayleigh Van Dooren securing three vital points. The Dutch number 10 scored her second consecutive brace, after bagging her first against Ternana Women, and led the Rossonere to a 2-1 win over a determined Genoa, who once again proved themselves as a challenging opposition after their previous league and Coppa Italia encounters. It was a well-deserved win in Solbiate Arno, as AC Milan were the team that created the most chances and showed greater determination to come out on top in an intense and closely-contested game.
The game featured plenty of action as the visitors equalised from a rebound after Giuliani saved a penalty, FVS had to intervene following a potential foul on Koivisto in the Rossonere's box. Despite this, AC Milan took home the three vital points to stay in the running for a spot in Europe. Their chances of this have also improved after the draw between Lazio and Como Women. The win proved even more significant as it came at the end of the toughest stretch of the season, including five matches in 15 days, with many members of the squad absent. The team have the right momentum and confidence heading into their most challenging game, an away game against the league leaders Roma, next Sunday at 12:30 CET.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v GENOA
MATCH REPORT
The Rossonere get off to a flying start, opening the scoring just nine minutes in, resulting from diligent build-up play. Park delivered a cross from the right, Van Dooren then made a run into the middle and scored from a spectacular header to claim her sixth goal of the season, all of which have been scored at home. Genoa tried to respond through Georgsdóttir and Giles, but AC Milan remained calmly in control. With time, the pace of the game lessened, and the visitors grew in confidence at the Chinetti. This was evident in the 41st minute as Cinotti put Giuliani to the test with her long-range effort. Laura Giuliani proved decisive just before half-time as she rushed out to deny Georgsdóttir.
There were no changes at the start of the second half, with AC Milan finding an early opportunity through Arrigoni, taking a long-distance shot. The decisive moment for Genoa came in the 57th minute when Park fouled Curraj, and Genoa were awarded a penalty. Giuliani saved Cinotti's effort from the spot, but the midfielder managed to score on the rebound. The Rossonere were determined and responded immediately, pressing forward for their lead again, with chances for Van Dooren (65') and Arrigoni (72'). Despite Genoa looking dangerous on the counter featuring a missed opportunity by Söndergaard, AC Milan sustained their attacking pressure and came close again in the 85th minute when Forcinella mishandled Renzotti's cross, and Park narrowly missed the tap-in. The Rossonere needed energy, and it came in the 88th minute. Dompig, who had come off the bench, played Van Dooren in on goal, and the Dutch forward beat Forcinella one-on-one. The score stayed the same in the five added minutes as AC Milan held on for the win!
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-1 GENOA
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Giuliani; Koivisto, De Sanders, Soffia, Keijzer; Arrigoni (87' Dompig), Mascarello, Grimshaw; Park, Van Dooren, Kyvåg (66' Renzotti). Subs: Estévez, Tornaghi; Donolato; Appiah, Strauss. Coach: Bakker.
GENOA (4-3-3): Forcinella; Curraj (90'+2 Giacobbo), Hilaj, Vigilucci, Giles (77' Massa); Eghdami, Cinotti (86' Ferrara), Cuschieri (90'+2 Bargi); Acuti, Georgsdóttir (77' Söndergaard), Bahr. Subs: Korenčiová; Di Criscio, Lipman, Mele; Abate, Bettalli; Monterubbiano. Coach: De La Fuente.
Referee: Gemelli from Messina.
Goals: 9' and 88' Van Dooren (M), 60' Cinotti (G).
Bookings: 57' Soffia (M), 64' Cinotti (G), 79' Söndergaard (G), 81' Koivisto (M).
Note: 60' Giuliani (M) saves a penalty kicked by Cinotti (G).
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