THE PRIMAVERA FALL TO ANOTHER DEFEAT | OneFootball

On matchday 3 in the Primavera 1 division, our Primavera took to the pitch at the Silvio Piola in Novara, looking to bounce back after their home defeat to Sassuolo. The Rossoneri's opponents, Genoa, came into the game unbeaten from their opening two games. It finished 2-0 to the Grifone, with Romano scoring twice from counter-attacks in the first half. The Rossoneri moved the ball well and pressed with purpose but paid the price for two lapses at the back. Sala's return to the Primavera, fresh from a goal with Milan Futuro at Gozzano, was bittersweet. There were positives in terms of intensity and possession, yet Genoa remained a threat on the break.

In the second half, AC Milan came out strong, pressing high and with intent, but they were wasteful with their final pass and finishing. Giovanni Renna encouraged his side to push higher up the pitch and used all his attacking options, but the scoreline didn't change, with the Rossoneri suffering their second consecutive defeat. More balance between the lines and greater composure in front of goal will be needed going forward. With the international break now in store, the chance to bounce back will come in Cagliari v AC Milan on Sunday 14 September at 11:00 CEST.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v GENOA

MATCH REPORT AC Milan's afternoon at the Silvio Piola got off to a poor start. In the fourth minute, a mistake from Sala gifted Romano a chance, and he fired past Longoni to give Genoa the lead. Three minutes later, Sala went close himself from the edge of the area, only to be denied by the visiting goalkeeper. The Rossoneri were looking to respond. In the 18th minute, Ossola's corner found Scotti, whose overhead kick went narrowly wide. Genoa threatened again after 21 minutes, with Longoni making a big save to tip a Zulevic strike onto the post. Scotti then sent in a ball for Ossola, whose powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar. AC Milan continued to press for an equaliser, but  just when the Rossoneri were enjoying their best spell, the Rossoblù struck again. In the 39th minute, Lafont launched a swift counter; Longoni saved Odero’s initial effort, but Romano was on hand to make it 2-0 with a tap-in.

In the second half, AC Milan tried to mount a response, but Genoa had the first real chance. On the 50-minute mark, Albè cut in from the left before seeing his deflected right-footed effort drift just past the post. Eight minutes later, Castiello held up the ball and found Mancioppi, whose deep cross was volleyed over by Di Siena. Just before the hour mark, Lysionok produced a great save to keep out Lontani's free-kick, shortly after which Di Siena fired off target. AC Milan kept up the pressure: in the 65th minute, Scotti unleashed a long-range effort, but the Genoa goalkeeper comfortably gathered it on the second attempt. A scramble ensued in the Rossoblù box after 74 minutes: Di Siena's cross drifted across the six-yard box, Perera laid it back in, but Piermarini couldn't find the target. Deep into stoppage time, Plazzotta’s corner was cleared, and Mancioppi's volley went just wide. Despite their pressure, AC Milan couldn't find a way through, and the match ended in a 2-0 defeat.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 0-2 GENOA

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Longoni; Cappelletti (53' Di Siena), Piermarini, Cullotta, Borsani (46' Perera); Mancioppi, Sala (70' Plazzotta), Ossola (53' Bonomi); Scotti, Castiello (79' Domnitei), Lontani. Subs: Bianchi; Cisse, Colombo, Del Forno, La Mantia, Pagliei. Coach: Renna.

GENOA (3-4-2-1): Lysionok; Doucouré (57' Arata), Klyšis, Celik (80' Diallo Khallouki); Odero, Dodde, Lafont, Albè; Carbone (80' Mendolia), Romano (66' Grossi); Zulevic. Subs: Mihelson; Bateka, Galvano, Gibertini, Pallavicini, Spicuglia, Taieb. Coach: Sbravati.

Referee: Tropiano from Bari. Goals: 4' and 39' Romano (G). Booked: 32' Ossola (M), 33' Borsani (M), 37' Doucouré (G), 90'+6 Mendolia (G), 90'+6 Odero.

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