10-MEN PRIMAVERA DRAW 2-2 IN THE DERBY

A draw of heart, a performance of heart. AC Milan's Primavera managed to pick up a very precious point in the derby, in the final few minutes and down to ten men. In the 2-2 draw at the PUMA House of Football, much of the progress over the whole season of this team can be seen, improved in every aspect and at the moment in an evident state of well-being. When Esposito put Inter ahead, there was Victor to answer in a sparkling first half, when the red card to Casali put AC Milan on the back foot, there was Cuenca - our man of the match - to level and secure a point.

With this showing of spirit, the good form has now last over a month. A show of character and pride from Abate's boys. Also of note was goalkeeper Vásquez's official debut for the Rossoneri, on his birthday. The league season has been much improved after some important wins, but draws today and against Napoli have eased fears of relegation: 41 points in the standings, currently six ahead relegation danger with just three games to go. Now the fixture list serves up a game against Verona, at the home of Hellas who are just one point above the Rossoneri in the table, scheduled for Wednesday 17 May at 16:00 CEST.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v INTER

MATCH REPORT
AC Milan went behind from the first chance after a good start, with Esposito scoring in the 10th minute, powering shot home after Curatolo's pass. It was a frenzied start, and in the 16th minute Victor found an immediate equaliser when he met Bozzolan's cross and with a low left-footed shot he found the corner. There was hardly even time to enjoy it and Inter went ahead again: in the 19th minute Owusu unleashed a right-footed effort that left Vásquez no chance. It was a very end-to-end game: on 25 minutes Kamate exchanged with Owusu and shot just over the crossbar; on 29 minutes Zeroli came close; on 30 minutes Martini similarly tried, but without success; on 32 minutes El Hilali volleyed, Botis saved. the visitors twice hit the woodwork before the interval: in the 39th minute Stanković's effort from distance and in the 41st minute Esposito's strike, both hitting the frame of the goal. In the 44th minute, there was a chance for Stalmach from a corner, but ball went wide.

The match got back underway with the Rossoneri looking to push forward, and Cuenca shot just wide three minutes into the half. Kamate had an even better chance in the 54th minute, when he put it over the crossbar from a great scoring position. In the 62nd minute Esposito's free-kick grazed the crossbar. In the 72nd minute, Casali's red card (two yellows) seemed to end hope of a comeback, but in the 74th minute Cuenca grabbed the equaliser: Kassama's mistake, Sia and El Hilali did not fail to capitalise, Hugo swept home to level things up. There were not many chances to win: in the 79th minute Andersen should have done better with a chance, in the 82nd minute Vásquez saved well Owusu. Andersen and Berenbruch had half chances to net a late winner, but the Rossoneri survived. Full time, 2-2.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 2-2 INTER

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Vásquez; Casali, Coubis, Nsiala, Bozzolan; Stalmach (70' Sia), Victor, Zeroli; Cuenca (83' Alesi), El Hilali (78' Simić), Traorè. Subs: Bartoccioni, Nava; Andrews, Bartesaghi, Paloschi; Foglio, Gala, Malaspina; Longhi. Coach: Abate.

INTER (4-3-3): Botis; Dervishi, Kassama (81' Sarr), Stabile, Fontanarosa (89' Pozzi); Martini (63' Andersen), Stanković, Kamate (63' Di Maggio); Curatolo (89' Berenbruch), Esposito, Owusu. Subs: Tommasi, Zamarian; Di Pentima, Nezirevic, Pelamatti, Stante; Biral, Grygar. Coach: Chivu.

Referee: Turrini from Florence.
Goals: 10' Esposito (I), 16' Victor (M), 19' Owusu (I), 74' Cuenca (M).
Bookings: 13' Stalmach (M), 18' Martini (I), 60' El Hilali (M), 73' Cuenca (M).
Red card: 71' Casali (M) for two yellows.

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