Another outstanding performance from AC Milan as they scored a poker against Napoli today, at the Vismara, on Serie A matchday 18. This time, differently from their last game, four different players went on the scoresheet as Bergamaschi broke the deadlock on minute 21, Yui Hasegawa double the lead with a unexpected header on minute 24, Dowie found the net at minute 43 and, of course, Giacinti left her mark on the 52nd minute.
This result, and the Juventus’s victory against Sassuolo, increased the rossonere’s advantage from the neroverde to 8 points, getting them even closer to achieve their main goal this season, the qualification for the Champions League a little easier.
Here’s some thoughts on this game:
World-class Yui
It took Yui Hasagawa only 5 league games to become a crucial piece in Maurizio Ganz’s AC Milan. The 24-years-old Japanese international player is feeling comfortable playing as left centre midfield alongside with Jane and Vero, thriving on both phases of the game.
Korenciova’s improving her game.
The modern-day goalkeepers must be able to at least play safely with the ball on their feet. This game was yet another proof that AC Milan goalie Korenciova has been working and improving her skills with the ball at her feet, and her teammates using this as an advantage, building out of the back instead of trying out long passes.
Good old Linda Tucceri Cimini
Great positional awareness, pass accuracy, good support running up front and a rock-strong defensive outing. Against Napoli, we could see the good ol’ Linda Tucceri Cimini we are used to.
A bit luck is needed.
2 out of 4 goals Milan scored against Napoli came out of awkward choices and mistakes, mostly from Napoli’s goalkeeper Tasselli. Though, the rossonere also deserve credits as they were well-positioned enough to capitalize from those mistakes.
New girl Arnadottir is ready
Napoli’s coach Alessandro Pistolesi chose to mirror AC Milan’s 352 in the first half, changing it after the halftime break. Thus, we were able to see Milan loanee Gudny Arnadottir playing, in the same match, on a back 3 and a back 4 formation. She really held her own, most of the time against Dowie. Ice cold (no pun intended) in defense, skilled with the ball at her feet and with a high pass accuracy, Arnadotti might be an important asset next season in a Milan shirt.
Coming next: Coppa Italia semi-final
Now it’s time for the rossonere to switch their attention back to the Coppa Italia Semi-final. In the first leg, AC Milan lost to Internazionale 2-1, but Giacinti’s away goal kept their hopes alive. Maurizio Ganz and his players already said that winning the Coppa Italia is a goal for this season, in order to add the first silverware to AC Milan’s trophy cabinet.
Image credits: acmilan.com
