Milan Futuro may have been a victim of the international break, losing focus and concentration after the three weeks without league matches. Because after winning three of four of their league matches as well as their match in England, losing this one to a team near the bottom of Group B was unlike them. So, perhaps it was just having lost their rhythm that cost them the 2-1 loss to Rovato Vertovese on Sunday. Only their second loss of the season, and their first home loss at all, it definitely felt more like a lapse of concentration.
 |
| An unusual loss of focus and home loss for Navarro's men. |
Even before this match, Futuro suffered a loss in that Alex Castiello had to have surgery last week to repair a ruptured right biceps femoris tendon. There was no timeline mentioned on the club's official announcement, but Google seems to think it will take him at least 4-9 months to rehab. Which is soul-crushing, honestly, considering he missed most of the second half of last season with another tendon injury.
 |
| We are all with you, Castiello. Heal up quickly! |
If you are not familiar with Castiello, in the first half of last season, he was red hot and scored at least five goals for the Primavera, thus earning him call ups simultaneously with Futuro, where he also scored, and Allegri even called him up for the first team as well. Then he finally returned from injury this season, and had already scored in the Coppa Italia Serie D, then against Brusaporto in the league, and even had the assist for Ossola's winner vs. Everton. Seeing such an impactful player like him out injured already like this again is truly heart-wrenching.
His teammates were kind enough to honor him ahead of the match, too, by holding up his jersey. But it would not be the same without him, which may have also contributed to the loss. Of course, sometimes, it's just about conceding a penalty, which Pagliei unfortunately did in the sixth minute. Fossati converted the penalty, giving Rovato the lead 1-0.
 |
| Need a goal? Send the ball in to Captain Ossola. |
It did not take Milan long to respond, however. Perera sent a cross in for Captain Ossola, who scored a long range goal just a minute later to equalize, 1-1 all. Vos had a header saved by Grasso in the 24th minute, then Balentien, in his first start since Everton, where he was injured, attempted a sweet shot, but it was deflected. The first half ended with the score still tied at 1-1.
Milan Futuro came back to create chances, including Malick Cissè, whose rocket of a shot forced a save in the 49th minute. But it was Foh whose header put Rovato ahead in the 61st minute, 2-1 Rovato Vertovese. Navarro responded with two substitutions: Sala replaced Pagliei, and Luca Menon replaced Balentien in the 62nd minute.
 |
| Great to see Balentien starting again. |
Silvano Vos took yet another shot, forcing Grasso into another save in the 65th minute. Sala and Ossola took shots, but no luck. Then idrissi replaced Cappelletti and Guernier replaced Pandolfi in the 76th minute. Luca Menon was shown a yellow card in the 89th minute. Rovato nearly scored again in stoppage time, but only hit the crossbar. Still, when the final whistle blew, despite Futuro's best efforts, it was the visitors who came away with all three points. Watch the full match or there are brief highlights available.
In addition to losing Castiello and the three points, this was not a great way for Futuro to start what will be a very busy October, as they have two midweek matches scheduled to make up for the matches missed during the international break. This is important to note, as well, because while they currently appear to be ninth in Group B, they also have two games in hand, the only team in the group with two matches to make up.
 |
| Pandolfi demonstrating the strength of Puma's jerseys. |
One of those matches will be against Piacenza on Wednesday, who are now two points ahead of Milan Futuro. Should they find their rhythm again and get back to winning ways, they will easily climb the table again and likely be back in the top four, no problem. But they will need to focus and keep their stamina through this intense month, they cannot afford another lapse of concentration.
Milan Futuro vs. Piacenza
Wednesday, Ocotber 14 • 11:30 CEST (5:30am EDT)
Thursday, October 15 • 18:45 CEST (12:45pm EDT)
Saturday, October 17 • 11:00 CEST (5am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Chievo Verona vs. Milan Futuro
Sunday, Ocotber 18 • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)
Sunday, October 18 • 18:00 CEST (12noon EDT)
Reviewed by Elaine
on
Rating:
