After a thrilling opening match victory over Torino, Milan Primavera returned to the status quo with a 1-1 draw away to Cesena on Sunday. Renna's boys conceded an early goal, then equalized, and fought for the rest of the match to try to find a winner, but were unable to. Just like last season. While the first team's opening match with Torino reminded us of the Primavera manager we once had in Abate, this match reminded us of where we are now: the status quo.
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| Nolli and Grassini celebrate the equalizing goal. |
The match started off quickly, then settled into a rhythm, with early chances for both sides off target or blocked well by defenders.. That is, of course, until the 17th minute, when Anastasio earned a yellow card and then Cesena were given a corner. Amadori scored a header from that corner, putting Cesena up 1-0.
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| At least the status quo includes camaraderie and proper team celebrations. |
Resilient as ever, Nolli equalized just two minutes later, scoring from an assist by Grassini, who was starting for the first time as a Primavera player. 1-1 all. Both sides tightened up their defense, and it wasn't until just before halftime that Milan had a series of chances from Nolli, Grassini, then Domniței, however, none were able to convert.
The second half saw Dotta replaced by Zanaga in the 46th minute, and chances created for either side. While Milan created plenty of pressure, it was Cesena who came closest to scoring, sending a shot just over in the 68th minute. Then Zaramella replaced Leonardo Colombo in the 72nd minute.
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| New Primavera signing Calvani made his debut in the final minutes of the match. |
Finally, Renna replaced Domniței with Petroni in the 84th minute; then both Geroli and Tartaglia with debutants Martini and Calvani in the 87th minutes. While newcomers Grassini and Martini were promoted from the U18 team, Lorenzo Calvani was a new signing this summer from Lazio, although he shares the same agent as Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Despite attempting to create more in attack with these subs, Milan Primavera were unable to break through and find a winner, settling for just a point. Just like so many matches last season (even if it was a very hot afternoon in Emilia-Romagna.) Brief highlights are available. Now, Renna's side will turn their focus to an early match vs. Juventus Primavera on Sunday.
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| Zanaga may not have scored in this one, but his goal in the opening match was Goal of the Month. |
Congratulations to Edoardo Zanaga, his fantastic goal vs. Torino was voted as Milan's Goal of the Month for August, beating out Gonçalo Ramos, Alphadjo Cissè, and the Women's Team's Sara Kanutte.
Note: For the past two years, the Primavera and Milan Futuro recaps have been posted as part of the first team posts here, but this year (hopefully) they will be separate posts for easier navigation.
This post inspired by the music of Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?"
Milan Primavera vs. Juve Primavera
Sunday, September 6 • 11:00 CEST (5am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Milan Futuro vs. ACD Sant'Angelo 1907
Sunday, September 6 • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)
This match can be streamed LIVE on the Official Serie D YouTube channel
Juventus vs. Milan
Sunday, September 6 • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)
In the U.S., this match can be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo or Peacock,
Reviewed by Elaine
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