A STRONG PERFORMANCE FROM THE PRIMAVERA, A VALUABLE POINT IN ZINGONIA

The Rossoneri Primavera bring home a valuable point from Zingonia. The spoils were shared after a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in a lively game, full of lessons learnt and ending in a fair result. Coach Renna’s side should be pleased with their overall perfomance. They showed courage and creativity, Longoni was on the ball, Pandolfi worked tirelessly, and Lontani truly impressive. Coming back from the break is never easy, and with such a strong opponent, sitting third and still unbeaten, the draw, their second in a row after the one against Monza, feels both deserved and valuable. Undoubtedly, it’s another step forward. 

It was a tough test, but they passed. AC Milan approached the game better overall than Atalanta and performed with greater purpose, though they will look back on the missed chances with regret. Towards the end of the game however, they gave it their all and took risks. There is plenty for the team to review and build on as the season progresses. After Matchday 8, our Primavera move up to 12 points in the table, in eighth place, just one point off the playoff zone. A team in good shape and on the rise, unbeaten since August, they’ll host Cesena next weekend on Saturday, October 25 at 13:00 CET, at the Piola Stadium in Novara.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM  ATALANTA v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
AC Milan started well, showing focus and taking control of possession, moving quickly and confidently. For Atalanta, Bono fired wide in the 15th minute, and six minutes later Baldo’s volley also went off target. Chances were few until the 27th minute, when Ossola played through to Castiello, who broke clear and tried a low left-footed shot that Zanchi did well to block. The match stayed balanced and both sides fought hard. AC Milan suffered a setback around the half-hour mark when Ossola was forced off. The attacking tempo picked up in the 39th minute when Castiello headed the ball wide, and four minutes later Lontani fired it just over from the edge of the box. Longoni produced an excellent save on Baldo’s close-range effort in the 40th minute.

From the start of the second half, both teams looked to take off the brakes and play with more freedom. Chances remained few, though Atalanta grew more aggressive while the Rossoneri stayed sharp and organised. After the hour mark, the momentum shifted. The Diavolo began to push and create more. In the 63rd minute, Pandolfi’s free kick effort was close, and Lontani had two opportunities soon after, a volley in the 72nd and a header in the 74th that were both narrowly off target. The midfielder was involved again in the 82nd minute, sending in a dangerous cross that forced a crucial save from Maffessoli. In the closing stages, though, Atalanta became a real threat: Mouisse fired inches wide in the 84th minute, Michieletto’s breakaway effort a minute later lacked power, and in the 88th he missed again. The match finished 0–0.

MATCH DETAILS

ATALANTA 0-0 AC MILAN

ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Zanchi; Ramaj, Maffessoli, Gobbo; Leandri, Pedretti (70' Mouisse), Valdivia, Arrigoni (46' Percassi); Artesani (70' Galafassi), Baldo (87' Cakolli); Bono (59' Michieletto). Subs: Anelli; Aliprandi, Bilać, Parmiggiani, Rinaldi; Belli, Galafassi. Coach: Bosi.

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Longoni; Nolli, Zukić, Colombo, Perera; La Mantia, Pandolfi, Plazzotta; Ossola (35' Lontani), Scotti, Castiello (91' Di Siena). Subs: Bianchi; Cullotta, Del Forno, Vechiu; Cisse, Dotta, Grassini, Tartaglia; Zaramella. Coach: Renna.

Referee: Frasynyak from Gallarate.
Booked: 8' La Mantia (M), 56' Valdivia (A), 76' Michieletto (A), 82' Pandolfi (M).

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