PRIMAVERA STORM TO 3‑0 VICTORY IN VERONA
Youth Teams
Three goals to earn three decisive points. It was a splendid afternoon for AC Milan Primavera against Hellas Verona: a 3-0 win worth more than just three points, because it brings the Rossoneri's margin over Atalanta to six points, ensuring that the Rossoneri are safe from relegation. Three goals, all in the second half, from Hugo Cuenca (one of the goals of the season), Jan-Carlo Simić and Diego Sia that decided matchday 32: fine goals that helped AC Milan to a deserved win.
After a hard-fought first half, the Rossoneri stepped up their game in a second half where they created a lot and conceded little to Hellas. The afternoon in Verona continued the excellent run of form of Abate's team: six straight positive results in the league, with 14 points collected in total by a young group - one of the lowest average ages in the league - destined to for big things in the coming years. Next up is a fascinating fixture, away to Juventus at 16:30 CEST on Monday 22 May. Well done, boys!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM HELLAS VERONA v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan got off to a lively start with Simić coming in for Casali (suspended) and Longhi as the centre forward. Abate's team went close to scoring in the 3rd minute with a header from Zeroli and in the 12th minute from a beautiful free kick by Traorè. The Scaligeri also knocked on Nava's door, forcing the Rossoneri goalkeeper into making two fine saves in the 8th and 14th minutes. The pace of the game dropped, but in the 26th minute Longhi had a great chance which was touched over the crossbar by Boseggia. Lots of possession and few chances in in a first half that ended with another great chance for the opener: on 43' a beautiful free kick by captain Coubis struck the woodwork.
The second half started with a change (Gala on for Foglio) before an AC Milan onslaught. In the 56th minute AC Milan took a well-deserved lead, with Hugo Cuenca scoring a special goal: the Paraguayan dribbled down the right, got past five players and slotted into the net with a left-footed shot. It was a special goal that instilled more courage into AC Milan, who tried to control things. In the 62nd minute, Gala went close to doubling the lead but was denied by Boseggia, before it was 2-0 thanks to Simić, who latched onto Victor's assist and finished from inside the box. The hosts were struggling, and in the 76th minute, the substitute Sia made it three after rounding Boseggia and passing it home. In the final minutes, the Rossoneri went close to the fourth through Zeroli, El Hilali and Malaspina, but the scoreline did not change.
POST-MATCH COMMENTS
"I am so happy for the boys," said a satisfied Coach Ignazio Abate after the match in Verona. "It has been a beautiful year. After the break for the World Cup we experienced a difficult period with many injuries. But we have reacted by collecting more points than anyone in the last 11 games, and we’ve made a really good comeback this season. The lads have shown their spirit and unity, winning almost all the important games against sides around us in the table. Against Hellas the team played really well, always trying to come up with ideas to create chances. We fought for every ball, and we showed intensity, quality and mentality, knowing how to react to the ebb and flow of the match. I'm very happy with all the guys, who were up for this one: it's a great group full of positivity."
MATCH DETAILS
HELLAS VERONA 0-3 AC MILAN
HELLAS VERONA (3-5-2): Boseggia; Matyjewicz, Calabrese (85' Nwanege), Ebenguè; Bragantini (78' Dentale), Schirone (85' Dalla Riva), Joselito, Riahi, Bernardi; Cazzadori (78' Patanè), Caia (61' Diao Baldé). Subs: Marchetti, Toniolo; De Battisti, Zorom, Furini, Dias Patricio. Coach: Sammarco (suspended, Larini in the dugout).
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Nava; Simić, Coubis, Nsiala, Bozzolan; Victor (75' Malaspina), Foglio (46' Gala), Zeroli; Cuenca (78' Alesi), Longhi (74' Sia), Traorè (74' El Hilali). Subs: Bartoccioni, Pseftis; Andrews, Bartesaghi, D'Alessio, Paloschi. Coach: Abate.
Referee: Gianquinto from Parma.
Goals: 56' Cuenca (M), 63' Simić (M), 76' Sia (M).
Booked: 28' Schirone (V), 37' Foglio (M), 69' Coubis (M), 82' Calabrese (V).
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