PRIMAVERA BEATEN IN GENOA: 2-1

AC Milan's matchday 24 fixture in Primavera 1 ended in a close defeat (2-1) to Genoa following a hard-fought 90 minutes of football. The result is unfair on the Rossoneri, who were unlucky to hit the crossbar through Victor late in the day. Vittorio Magni's first league goal of the season wasn't enough for Abate's side as Papastylianou scored an 81st-minute winner for the hosts.

The team's performance merited a different result, especially given the numerous absences. The standings remain unchanged - given that Cagliari beat Torino - and the fixture list has thrown up the perfect chance to bounce back from today's defeat. On Saturday 24 February, we host leaders Inter at the PUMA House of Football for the derby. Forza ragazzi!

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM GENOA v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
It was an even encounter right from the outside. The chances were few and far between in the first 20 minutes, though AC Milan were in control. The Rossoneri twice tested Calvani in the 22nd minute and were twice denied, first from Victor's shot from outside the box and then Bakoune's effort on the rebound. The hosts came close to taking the lead themselves as Arboscello hit the crossbar following a dead ball. There was very little action for the remainder of the half, save for a wicked effort from Bonomi that whistled past the far post.

The second half got off to the worst possible start. Just one minute in, Raveyre brought Ekhator down in the box and Rossi converted from the penalty spot. The Rossoneri looked for an immediate reaction through Scotti, who fired well off target (54'), and then Victor, whose free-kick grazed the upright (58'). Genoa gave Abate's side very little as the Rossoneri remained patient in their hunt for an equaliser. The coach made changes, and it was one of the substitutes who helped AC Milan get back on level terms: Sala whipped the ball in, Calvani couldn't get near it and Magni tucked it away for his first league goal in Red and Black (77'). The Grifone, however, restored their lead in the 81st minute through a Papastylianou header - 2-1. Stoppage time was tense as the Rossoneri had three chances to draw level once more - through Bakoune, Camarda and Victor, who hit the bar in the final minute - but it wasn't to be. The game ended in defeat for AC Milan Primavera.

MATCH DETAILS

GENOA 2-1 AC MILAN

GENOA (4-2-3-1): Calvani; Scaravilli (78' Bosia), Abdellaoui, Pittino, Tosi; Parravicini (69' Barbini), Sarpa; Rossi, Arboscello, Ghirardello (60' Venturino); Ekhator (78' Papastylianou). Subs: Consiglio; Ahanor, Ferroni; Carbone, Gonçalinho, Thorsteinsson; Omar. Coach: Agostini.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Raveyre; Bakoune, Parmiggiani, Nsiala, Magni; Malaspina (76' Sala), Victor; Scotti (87' Lamorte), Stalmach (71' Simmelhack), Bonomi (46' Sia); Camarda. Subs: Bartoccioni, Torriani; Cappelletti, Paloschi, Tezzele; Mancioppi; Batistini. Coach: Abate.

Referee: Cappai di Cagliari.
Goals: 47' pen. Rossi (G), 77' Magni (M), 81' Papastylianou (G).
Booked: 42' Ghirardello (G), 48' Rossi (G), 56' Nsiala (M).

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