PRIMAVERA BACK TO WINNING WAYS: 3‑1 AGAINST CAGLIARI
Youth Teams
After a run of three games without a victory, the Rossoneri's Primavera got back to winning ways by beating Cagliari 3-1. Nsiala and Sia scored in the first half and Camarda added a third after the break with a spectacular bit of individual brilliance. AC Milan hadn't savoured all three points for almost a month - following the 2-0 win against Frosinone, also away from the PUMA House of Football. The result materialised from a solid and mature performance, which confirmed the progress seen in last weekend's draw with Roma (0-0).
Abate's Rossoneri overcame a direct rival in the table in the race for the top six, which would see them qualify for the play-offs at the end of the season. Even with various absences to contend with, the team still played with maturity and confidence, without ever losing faith in their own game. The two-goal lead at the break came thanks to an aggressive first-half performance, which also produced other big chances. Now, the focus shifts to next Saturday afternoon's home fixture against Sassuolo.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM CAGLIARI v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
After an even opening period, the Rossoneri took the lead in the 15th minute following a free-kick won by Mangi's tenacity. Victor swung it in and found the head of Clinton Nsiala, who nodded it home to make it 1-0 to AC Milan. Five minutes later, the Rossoneri had their second. Camarda harried the goalkeeper, Wodzicki, causing him to clear it straight to Diego Sia, who went on a mazy run inside the box and slotted it in at the far post, 2-0. Victor and Nsiala combined again with our number 22 finding our number 6, who this time fired over the crossbar (35'). Scotti then had a go from distance but lacked the necessary accuracy. Abate's side finished the first half with a comfortable two-nil lead, having kept the hosts at arm's length.
The Sardinian side began the second half on the front foot as they looked to get back into it; the substitute Simonetta gave the hosts plenty of impetus. The Rossoneri had to be patient but then did add a third through Camarda in the 54th minute. And what a goal it was: a sublime touch to bring down Perera's ball and escape the defenders in one motion and then a delightful chip to beat the onrushing goalkeeper, 3-0 AC Milan! Cagliari kept at it, though, and immediately cut the deficit in the 55th minute through Konate, assisted by Simonetta. The rhythm increased once again and Mutandwa beat Raveryre to the ball but couldn't turn it home (65'). Then, Camarda came close to making it a brace as he fired wide following a swift counter-attack, led by Stalmach (69'). That was the final big chance of the match as AC Milan saw it out until the final whistle.
POST-MATCH REACTION
Ignazio Abate: "I'm pleased. We played well on a difficult ground. We played good football in the first half; in the second, we had to dig in and the boys did brilliantly. I'm a bit annoyed with the goal we conceded but, at the same time, you can see that this group is getting its confidence back. We'll savour this performance and the debuts for Perera and Cappelletti; they're developing well."
MATCH DETAILS
CAGLIARI 1-3 AC MILAN
CAGLIARI (4-3-3): Wodzicki; Arba, Catena, Cogoni, Idrissi; Balde (78' Sulev), Carboni (46' Vinciguerra), Marcolini (78' Conti); Kingstone (78' Bolzan), Achour (46' Simonetta), Konate. Subs.: Iliev; Malfitano, Marini, Pintus, Piseddu, Tymoteusz. Coach: Pisacane.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Raveyre; Magni (72' Bakoune), Parmiggiani, Nsiala, Perera; Malaspina, Victor; Scotti (88' Cappelletti), Sala (57' Stalmach), Sia (27' Bonomi); Camarda (88' Simmelhack). Subs.: Bartoccioni, Colzani; Batistini, Liberali, Mancioppi. Coach: Abate.
Referee: Ubaldi from Rome.
Goals: 15' Nsiala (M), 20' Sia (M), 54' Camarda (M), 55' Konate (C).
Bookings: 14' Cogoni (C), 38' Sala (M), 70' Magni (M).
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