AC Milan secured their place in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia after beating Roma 3-1 in a match where excitement was never lacking. But beyond the win, the big story was the debut of Santiago Giménez, who came on in the second half and contributed a masterful assist.
Along with João Félix, another of the team's new signings, the Mexican striker made an immediate impact, making it clear that he can be an important player for the Rossoneri for the remainder of the season.
A Duel With Intensity From The Beginning
The match started with high energy, with both teams showing from the first minute their intention to advance to the next round. Roma, led by Paulo Dybala, tried to generate danger in the early stages of the match, but were met with a well-organized Milan defense.
The home team took advantage of their first moment of superiority in the 15th minute, when Tammy Abraham, who is on loan at the Lombard club, opened the scoring with a header after a precise cross. It was a blow to Roma, who tried to react immediately, but came up against a solid Milan defense.
The visitors had a few chances to level the score, including a powerful shot by Pissilli that hit the crossbar, but the lack of precision took its toll. In the 42nd minute, Abraham was again on hand to punish his former team with a second goal, taking advantage of a mistake by the Roma backline.
With Milan 2-0 up, the teams went into the break with different feelings: the home side with the confidence of the lead and Roma with the need to come back.
Roma's Reaction And Gimenez's Momentum
In the second half, Roma came out with more determination. Just eight minutes into the second half, Artem Dovbyk headed in a great cross from Angeliño. The goal made Milan nervous, which at times gave up the initiative and allowed the visitors to grow in confidence.
It was then that the Rossoneri coach decided to move his players. In the 59th minute, Santiago Giménez and João Félix entered the field with the intention of giving a new air to Milan's attack. The Mexican striker's first notable intervention came quickly, when he played a deep pass for Álex Jiménez, who unfortunately saw his attempt disallowed for offside.
Giménez received the ball close to the area and, with great vision, he put a precise pass between the Roma defenders, leaving João Félix in an unbeatable position. The Portuguese player, with enormous quality, finished with an elegant lob to beat the goalkeeper and seal the match.
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A Promising Debut And Milan With Aspirations
The San Siro erupted in celebration with the play that secured Milan's place in the semifinals. Beyond the result, Santiago Giménez's performance left great sensations. In his first game with the Italian club, he showed that he can contribute not only with goals, but also with assists and intelligent moves in attack.
Milan, with this victory, remains in the fight for the Coppa Italia and now awaits its opponent in the next round, who will be the winner of the match between Inter and Lazio. Roma, meanwhile, leave the tournament with the feeling of having fought until the end, but without the necessary strength to advance.
For Santiago Gimenez, this debut means a great first step in his new adventure in Italian soccer. His impact in the match reinforces the expectation that he can become a key player for Milan in the coming months.
