t was a disappointing evening for Milan Primavera, who failed to return to winning ways and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Monza on matchday 33. At the PUMA House of Football, Guidi’s side fell behind in the eighth minute following a great goal from Berretta, drew level through a Perrucci penalty and then created several chances to come away with the win, including a 93rd-minute strike from Scotti that hit the post. It was a spirited performance that deserved more, but the Rossoneri have put an end to a three-game losing run in all competitions (Sampdoria and Cesena in the league and the Coppa Italia final).
Without Bonomi and with Liberali starting on the bench (not fully fit), the Rossoneri responded well to falling behind, finding a quick equaliser and forcing Monza back for the rest of the game. However, there was a lack of precision in front of goal. Beyond the result, the team played some good football and showed plenty character as they went on the hunt for victory. The Diavolo will next have the opportunity to pick up three points away to Empoli at 16:00 CEST on Friday. With this desire and heart, the team can get back into the playoffs and enjoy a great end to the season.
The visitors opened the scoring with the first real effort of the match: Berretta beat Longoni with a fine left-footed strike from distance. AC Milan regrouped and drew level in the 15th minute: Comotto won a penalty that was then converted by Perrucci. Having scored the equaliser, the Rossoneri kept up the pressure as Hodzic forced Mazza into his first big save of the match. Ossola came close with two headed efforts: the first was cleared away virtually on the goal line (30’), while the second finished inches off target (35’). Sala’s 37th-minute attempt was saved by Mazza, while Postiglione thwarted Hodzic with some excellent defending shortly before half-time.
After the restart, Vincenzo Perrucci, who was driving the Rossoneri forward, came close to adding to his goal on several occasions. In the 56th minute, he picked out the onrushing Sala, who could only fire over. Perrucci tested Mazza after 72 minutes before shooting narrowly wide on the volley five minutes later. Soon afterwards, Hodzic sent in a cross for Comotto, who timed his jump perfectly but headed narrowly wide. Finally, in stoppage time, Scotti hit the post with a left-footed strike, meaning the Rossoneri were forced to settle for a draw. It finished 1-1.
Longoni; Bakoune (42’ Perera), Paloschi, Duțu, Magni; Hodzic, Sala, Comotto; Ossola (59’ Liberali), Scotti, Perrucci. Subs.: Colzani; Asanji, Colombo, Di Siena, Lontani, Mancioppi, Parmiggiani, Skoczylas, Vladimirov. Coach: Guidi.
MONZA (3-4-3): Mazza; Azarovs, Postiglione, Domanico; Lupinetti (85’ Bagnaschi), Berretta, Colombo, Capolupo (66’ De Bonis); Martins (66’ Scaramelli), Zanaboni (66’ Longhi), Nene (80’ Gaye). Subs.: Vailati, Pedrazzini, Crasta, Ballabio, Miani. All.: Brevi.
Referee: Vergaro from Bari.
Goals: 8’ Berretta (MO), 15’ pen. Perrucci (MI).
Booked: 6’ Ossola (MI), 29’ Domanico (MO), 39’ Sala (MI), 53’ Nene (MO), 56’ Paloschi (MI), 83’ Magni (MI), 94’ Bagnaschi (MO).
Sent off: 90’ Guidi (MI).
