FC Como Women defeat AC Milan 1-0 in the Serie A season opener
Photo credit: Francesca Di Fazio“The girls were really excellent and fully deserved the victory. It was earned and sought after”
These were the first words from Stefano Sottili who, in his debut in women’s Serie A as the head coach of Como Women, secured an important victory against Milan, defeating it 1-0.
“I’m especially pleased with the resilience the girls showed, particularly in the second half. The participation of everyone, even the offensive players, was commendable,” added the coach.
“This aspect is something we are working on because it will be crucial to maintain throughout the season. They stayed focused until the end.”
It was a night that marked not only Sottili’s debut but also that of Nadine Nischler, who made her first appearance in the top league. The player was awarded MVP of the match by the FIGC after being the star of the game with the decisive goal scored in the 18th minute, along with several shots and created chances.
Photo credit: Francesca Di FazioHer joy was evident in her post-match words: “I couldn’t have imagined a better debut than this; the feelings are indescribable. It’s a dream come true. I’m happy with the match and the result, but we still have an entire championship ahead of us. Now we need to get the best out of ourselves.”
A gritty, physical match full of great sacrifice from our players, who had the opportunity to close out the game on more than one occasion, such as in the 67th minute when Zara Kramzar was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. A demonstration of strength and mental toughness, especially in the final minutes, with a great save by Astrid Gilardi, who denied Milan the tie.
In attendance at the stadium were Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavè, Co-CEOs & Co-Founders of Mercury/13, Eniola Aluko MBE, investor and advisor of Mercury/13 and former England national team player, Stefano Verga, president of FC Como Women, and the new club management, CEO Elena Mirandola and COO Mauro Ferrara.
Match summary:
Como Women: 3. Guagni; 6. Bergersen; 7. Nischler; 9. Del Estal; 11. Conc; 16. Karlernas; 20. Vaitukaityte; 22. Gilardi; 24. Rizzon; 33. Kramzar; 44. Bou Salas.
AC Milan: 1. Giuliani; 2. Koivisto; 7. Marinelli; 12. Mascarello; 13. Swaby; 19. Ijeh; 20. Soffia; 21. Sevenius; 23. Piga; 25. Mesjasz; 99. Dompig.
Goalscorer: Nadine Nischler, 19’
Yellow cards: Karlernas 36’; Koivisto 61’; Soffia 65’; Bou Salas 70’
Red cards: 0
Substitutions: Miriam Picchi, Alma Hilaj, Giorgia Spinelli, Agnete Marcussen, Andrea
Colombo (Como Women); Nadia Nadim, Avila Rubio, Nicola Karczewska, Valentina Cernoia
(AC Milan).
Referee and assistants: Enrico Cappai, Paolo Cufari, Andrea Cocomero, Filippo Vigo
MVP: Nadine Nischler
