Day Three of the 2015 Viareggio Cup proved that AC Milan’s problems go deeper than their first team as they were eliminated from the tournament that they won last season after just two games.
Milan began the defence of their title in the worst possible way on Monday, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, and appeared to be looking to rectify that today as they took on Palermo, but fell behind within 22 minutes as Accursio Bentivegna gave the Rosanero the lead.
Milan looked desperate to win as they pushed everybody forward, leaving an abundance of space in behind which allowed Palermo to counter-attack. Milan were made pay for their high-line when Gianluigi Donnarumma was dismissed for a foul on the edge of the box which denied Bentivegna and Palermo a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The goalkeeper has not enjoyed a good tournament so far, as he came under criticism for his performance on the opening day against PSV. The Rosanero ran out 3-2 winners.
Palermo will progress alongside PSV, who comfortably swept Apia Leichhardt aside with a 4-0 victory.
Napoli and Hellas Verona played out a scoreless draw. The result sees both sides sitting on four points and gives both sides a chance to progress after L.I.A.C New York were eliminated following their 2-1 defeat against Pakhtakor.
[youtube width=”500″ height=”344″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5am2tDlYmH8[/youtube]
Fiorentina – one of the tournament favourites – fell to a shock 2-0 loss against Cesena who had lost their opener against Ceremonese, who in turn came from 2-1 behind to claim an impressive 3-2 victory against Nordsjaelland to see them through.
Fiorentina and Cesena are now both on three points as they head into their final group fixtures.
Atalanta’s opening day victory celebrations were muted as they were beaten 1-0 by a last minute goal against Bari, while Vicenza were seen off by the same score against Bruges. These results see Vicenza eliminated, with three teams left who can all qualify as they go into their final group fixtures, the highlight of which will be when Bari go head-to-head with Bruges.
