With so much focus on the first team right now and our red hat-wearing owner, I think many fans are failing to note what Navarro is doing with Milan Futuro this season. While they did take an immediate exit in the Coppa Italia Serie D in their first match of the season, they now have four wins and only two losses in Serie D. Plus two matches in hand, which, if they were to get full points in both matches, they would be in second place. This 2-1 win vs. Chievo Verona was an example of the teamwork and grinta that Navarro is developing in this young team, making this more than just a triumph in Verona.
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| Bonomi subs on, scores in the 85th to win the game. |
Navarro's men showed up on Sunday. While it was Chievo with the early chances, including forcing Pittarella into a save in the 5th minute, Futuro answered as they grew into the match. Perera's shot from distance forced the Chievo goalkeeper to smother it. Then, in the 26th minute, Asanji sent a wicked backheel across the face of goal and just inside the post, completely out of the goalkeeper's reach for an amazing goal, assisted by Borsani. 1-0 Milan Futuro.
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| Levis Asanji, what did you even do? Incredible opening goal. |
Chievo threatened with a shot that went just over the bar, then Perera did the same at the other end. In the 38th minute, Minessi was allowed to get in a 1v1 with Pittarella, whom he was able to slot the ball past to equalize for Chievo Verona. 1-1 all. Malick Cissè produced a miraculous goal line clearance with his back, and Chievo also hit the post before halftime, making Futuro seem lucky to still be level.
The second half started out with more chances created, with a Chievo shot wide, then Sala forcing Chievo's goalkeeper into a save. Pittarella also punched away a shot from Chievo, then Pagliei was shown a yellow card. Navarro sent Bonomi on to replace Perera in the 68th minute. Futuro had created a few chances that were off target, but it was Sala whose shot on target made the opposition goalkeeper make a great save.
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| Navarro's subs from the bench made the difference. |
The 79th minute was pivotal, as Bane was shown a red card for a bad tackle from behind on Bonomi just outside the area. Milan Futuro were able to capitalize on Chievo being a man down in the 85th minute. Plazzotta sent a powerful shot in which the goalkeeper was able to parry away, only Bonomi was right ther and poached the rebound to score the winning goal. 2-1 Milan Futuro.
Chievo did all they could to equalize once more, despite being on ten men, but they were unsuccessful. Navarro took advantage of the extended stoppage time to sub on the 16 year-old striker Borsa for his debut for just a couple of minutes. Let's hope he is all he is made out to be, and that we will see more of him this season. Brief highlights of the match are available.
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| Remember the name: Asanji. |
Navarro's team showed grinta and determination to fight back after the equalizer and get all three points here. Which is a recurring theme in their matches these days. As mentioned, Milan Futuro have two matches in hand after the international break. Well, actually one and a half, as the rescheduled match vs. Piacenza had to be suspended at halftime with a score of 0-0 due to an injury to the referee. The second half of that match will be replayed on Wednesday the fourth of November, while the match vs. Pavonese will be played next Wednesday.
While the table shows Futuro in sixth place, were they to somehow claim full points in both those matches, they would be in second place on the table, which is a far cry from their first season under Bonera. Which actually could happen, and maybe then Milan fans would take notice and realize that this win was more than just a triumph in Verona.
This post inspired by the music of Muse's "Verona"
Thursday, October 22 • 21:00 CEST (3pm EDT)
Milan Futuro vs. Club Milano
Sunday, October 25 • 14:30 CEST (8:30am EDT)*
Sunday, October 25 • 20:45 CET (3:45 EDT)*
Reviewed by Elaine
on
Rating:
