U23s, Friendly with Padova Ends 1-1 Level
Late Cissé Strike levels the field in Caravaggio
It ends 1-1 in Caravaggio between the Nerazzurri and Padova, with Cissé grabbing a late equaliser for the hosts.
A strong first half from the Nerazzurri, who carved out several chances but just couldn't find the breakthrough. The first warning came in the 19th minute from a link-up play between Misitano and De Nipoti, with the latter threading a perfect through ball, but Misitano couldn't steer his effort on target. Moments later, De Nipoti turned provider again, this time picking out Idele, whose low strike was parried by the opposing keeper. The pressure kept mounting, and in the 32nd Vavassori nearly found the opener: he spun neatly in the box and got his shot away, but once again the goalkeeper stood tall. In the 40th, Navarro came close with a beautifully struck free-kick that forced a fingertip save and a corner. Despite the run of play, Padova drew first blood in the 44th with Ghiglione, capitalising on a loose ball from a set piece.
The Nerazzurri kept up the intensity in the second half, showing fluid build-up play and continuing to knock on the door in the final third. The long-awaited equaliser finally came in the 87th minute, thanks to substitute Cissé, who pounced on a goalkeeper error to slot home, netting his second goal in as many pre-season outings.
ATALANTA U23s 1-1 PADOVA
Scorers: Ghiglione 44 (P), Cisse 87 (A).
Atalanta U23: Pardel (Sassi 60), Del Lungo (Guerini 46), Navarro (Berto 60), Pounga (Riccio 60), Obrić (Comi 60), Ghislandi (Simonetto 60), Idele (Bergonzi 60), Panada (C) (Manzoni 60), Misitano (Cisse 60), De Nipoti (Cortinovis 60), Vavassori (Cassa 60). Unused Subs: Tornaghi, Colombo, Lonardo. Coach: Salvatore Bocchetti.
Padova: Voltan (Bensi 68), Delli Carri (Pastina 68), Perrotta, Crisetig (C) (Bacci 68), Seghetti (Bortolussi 46, Caporello 68), Baselli (Varas 68), Bonaiuto (Di Maggio 46), Valente (Faedo 68), Villa (Belli 68), Harder (Capelli 68), Ghiglione (Tumiatti 68). Unused bench: Fortin, Fusi, Bocci, Boi, Russini. Coach: Matteo Andreoletti.
Referee: Lorenzo Travaini from Busto Arsizio;
Assistant referees: Andrea Lufi from Lodi and Riccardo Benzi from Crema.
Notes: Bonaiuto (P), Villa (P) booked.