Coming off of their truly impressive win over Everton U21 midweek, Milan Futuro defeated Caldiero Terme 4-3 at home in a very exciting match with plenty of goals for everyone. After going down a goal at the end of the first half, Milan wreaked havoc on Caldiero's goal, scoring four unanswered goals before the 70 minute mark. And it's good that they did, too, because Caldiero Terme tried to make a comeback with two more goals, but at the final whistle, they were still a goal short. Because Milan Futuro never say die.
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| The four goalscorers: Plazzotta, Ossola, Borsani, and Silvano Vos |
For the most of the first half, it honestly seemed that Milan would be first to break the deadlock. Castiello forced their goalkeeper into a save in just the second minute. Then, in the 19th minute, disaster. Caldiero Terme were awarded a penalty. But Pittarella was ready for it, and like a badass, he saved it, flying to the far post in time to keep it goalless.
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| Hell yeah, Pittarella. |
There was an incident involving both sides that saw Guernier receive a yellow card in the 30th minute, and he was a bit lucky not to see a red, because he was angry and speaking to the ref. So Navarro pulled him out of the game, replacing him with Pandolfi. I'm not one for early subs, and I hate to think what might have happened to make the player so angry. But this was a smart move on Navarro's part in order to be able to have 11 players on the pitch for the next hour.
Milan Futuro don't get mad, they get even. So, Ossola had a shot just wide, then Castiello and Ossola both forced saves from Caldiero's goalkeeper. Sala went just wide, then Borsani's shot was so close, but also went on the wrong side of the goalpost. And yet, it was in the final minute of stoppage time, that Petdji Tsila scored to make it 1-0 for Caldiero Terme.
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| Captain Ossola greets Sala. |
I don't know what Coach Navarro said at halftime, but Milan Futuro returned and responded without mercy. Ossola scored his goal in the 55th minute to make it 1-1 all. Only a minute later, Borsani scored from a Mancioppi assist. 2-1 Milan Futuro. They were making it look easy.
In the 58th minute, Navarro made a couple of substitutions, as he needed to manage his players' playing time well, since this was their third match in the week. Asanji replaced Mancioppi and Plazzotta replaced Cappelletti.
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| Borsani celebrating his goal, passing the goalscoring baton to Vos. |
Silvano Vos scored five minutes later to put Milan up 3-1. Pittarella had a great save on a Caldiero shot from distance. Then, in the 68th minute, Plazzotta put the nail in the coffin to make it 4-1 for Milan Futuro. It seemed like they would never stop scoring.
After the second cooling break, Bonomi replaced goalscorer Vos. A few minutes later, Navarro sent Perera on for Ossola. Bonomi had a shot that went just wide, then unfortunately, Caldiero pulled one back in the 77th minute with a goal from Castelli, who took the rebound after they had hit the crossbar. Now it was 4-2 for Milan Futuro. No need to panic, though. Until Locati scored in the 87th minute, making it only a one goal lead for Milan, 4-3.
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| Milan Futuro never say die. They just keep scoring. |
But Milan Futuro never say die. They defended with their lives, and Caldiero did not equalize, although not for trying. What a great way to kick off their Serie D campaign this season, especially if you watched their Coppa Italia Serie D match. Ouch.. Brief highlights of the match are available, or you can watch the full match. Milan Futuro will be away to face Pro Polazzolo 1913 on Saturday.
This post inspired by the music of Billie Eilish's "No Time to Die"
Verona Primavera vs. Milan Primavera
Saturday, September 12 • 13:00 CEST (7am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Pro Palazzolo 1913 vs. Milan Futuro
Saturday, September 12 • 18:00 CEST (12noon EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Lazio vs. Milan
Saturday, September 12 • 18:00 CEST (12noon EDT)
In the U.S., this match can be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo or Peacock,