AC Milan Primavera came away with all three points from their game against Sampdoria earlier today. However, it was far from easy for the Rossoneri, who needed a 93rd-minute winner from the debutant Alexander Simmelhack.
Clinton Nsiala put the Rossoneri 1-0 up after 12 minutes, capitalising on a scrappy situation that followed a corner. However, Sampdoria found the equaliser just one minute later, and it was a goal that changed the game dramatically.
Ignazio Abate’s men struggled to find a way through but in the dying seconds of the game, similarly to the first goal, a scrappy situation led to Alexander Simmehlack’s finish. It was the Dane’s debut for the team and it couldn’t have gone any better, scoring the winner.
Speaking to MilanTV after the game (see the video below), head coach Abate shared his thoughts on the big win and why he’s hopeful for the future.
On the match…
“The boys played 60-65 minutes at a very high level, we created lots of goalscoring opportunities. We should have controlled the game and put it to bed, though. It’s the only regret. It’s a game that if you don’t get that crucial goal, it gets complicated.
“I must say that these guys have a gigantic heart, I take this home with me: their enthusiasm, their ambition, their anger towards the result. The final celebration is the most beautiful photograph of the day.”
The desire that led to the final goal…
“The boys have this mentality, you need everyone’s heart and soul. Even those who are finding less space must raise their level, we need everyone. We play every three days, changes become fundamental.
“We have to divide our energies, but this mentality gives me hope. We have to try to recover energy as soon as possible, we have a very difficult match on Wednesday, so we will try to play another good match.”
On Simmelhack, man of the match…
“He was out since May, then he came back and sustained another ankle problem. He suffered a lot in these two or three months, because he wanted to make himself available to the group. He has always worked with his head down, we know that both he and Skoczylas are behind in physical condition, we need to improve them because they are guys who certainly will give us a great hand. I’m happy that he scored on his debut, I hope it’s a good omen for the future.”
