After a roller coaster of emotions, the AC Milan Women achieved this season's primary goal by securing Champions League football next season on the penultimate Serie A game. A goalless draw against third place Sassuolo at the Enzo Ricci stadium was all the rossonere needed to mathematically seal the second place in the league (due to their advantages on Serie A’s tie-breaking criteria, such as head-to-head confrontation and goal difference).
Here’s some thoughts on this game:
Selena Babb’s baptism of fire:
Korenciova was suspended due to her being sent-off last game against Fiorentina, so, at least it seemed that way, Piazza would taker her place in the starting eleven. However, Ganz surprised everyone choosing newcomer Selena Babb, who made her debut in Serie A, over the Italian goalie. Babb rose to the occasion and had a remarkably outing against the likes of Bugeja and Pirone.
Jane-of-all-trades Grimshaw:
Once again Christy Grimshaw was among the starters, though this time she replaced Dowie as Giacinti’s partner. She took her time to settle in on this new role on the pitch but after the halftime break, Grimshaw finally understood Ganz’s intentions and begun to press high on the field and even nicked some balls from the opponents.
The untouchables:
It took patience and time, but AC Milan found balance midfield where every and each one of the players have a complimentary set of skills. With Vero, Jane and, especially, Hasegawa on the pitch, the fans may rest at ease that, even if one of them is not on a good day (like Fifi particularly on this game), the rest make it up for her.
Use of the bench is a concern:
As we all have noticed this season, Maurizio Ganz is not particularly a fan of making subs during the game and, once again, he didn’t used his bench. Although this might be a particular feature of his coaching style, it leaves a lot of room for speculation whether he does not have a big repertoire of tactical solutions or he just doesn’t trust his players enough.
With Roma on their minds already:
Yes, the Serie A is not over, though it’s not a secret that after guaranteeing the Champions League spot, the rossonere have set their eyes on the Coppa Italia final, which take place on May, 30, against Roma at the Mapei Stadium.
Up next:
For their last dance in Serie A this season, AC Milan host Hellas Verona this Sunday, 23, at 15:00 CEST, on matchday 22. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for Maurizio Ganz to make a little turnover and give some playing minutes for the likes of Conc, Simic, Spinelli, Rask, Longo, Morleo, Nano and Rizza, who didn’t saw much of the pitch this season.
Image credits: acmilan.com
