CERCOLA, ITALY – AC Milan’s Primavera squad experienced a familiar sting of late disappointment, drawing 1-1 with Napoli at the Stadio Piccolo after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser. This marks the second time in a few days that the Rossoneri youth team has seen victory slip away in the dying moments of a match, following a similar 1-1 draw with Verona.
Match Overview: A Hard-Fought Draw
The match, played on December 21, 2025, saw AC Milan take the lead through a second-half penalty from Lontani. However, Caucci’s late touch in the 93rd minute secured an equaliser for Napoli, leaving Milan with significant regret over what would have been a crucial win. The game itself was described as not particularly attractive, with AC Milan, despite not being at full strength, managing to cope well with absences and delivering a solid hour of football. They generally played the better football before a late drop-off allowed Napoli to find space and ultimately the equaliser.
Impact on Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
This result marks the third 1-1 draw for Renna’s side in December, with the exception of a convincing 2-0 victory over Parma. Following Matchday 17, AC Milan’s Primavera team moved slightly in the standings, reaching 23 points. They remain within touching distance of the play-off places, highlighting the importance of every point in a tightly contested league. The team now enters the Christmas break, a period for rest and reflection before returning with renewed determination. Their next challenge will be a tough away fixture against league leaders Roma on Saturday, January 3, at 13:00 CET.
Match Details and Key Moments
The match began with a lively, open start. Mancioppi initiated the first significant move in the 2nd minute, followed by Plazzotta’s low drive that went wide. AC Milan maintained the initiative, though Napoli’s Gorica came close in the 12th minute with a glancing touch from a free kick. The first half saw few clear-cut chances, with Lontani forcing a save from Spinelli in the 16th minute and attempting an audacious long-range lob in the 31st. Closer to halftime, Lontani had a weak effort after Plazzotta’s solo run, and Mancioppi’s first-time volley went agonisingly close.
After the restart, Napoli appeared to gain momentum. However, in the 57th minute, Tartaglia’s clever pass set up Plazzotta, who was fouled in the area by Gambardella, leading to a penalty. Lontani confidently converted the spot-kick, sweeping his shot into the net to give Milan the lead. Napoli pressed for an equaliser, and Longoni made a crucial save from Eletto’s close-range header in the 73rd minute. Two minutes later, Genovese crossed for Raggioli, whose flicked header went just wide. The tension peaked in the 88th minute when Smeraldi’s free kick brushed the post. Ultimately, the late blow arrived in the 93rd minute when Caucci collected an aerial deflection and slid home the equaliser, sealing the 1-1 draw.
Full Match Information: Napoli 1-1 AC Milan
NAPOLI (3-4-2-1): Spinelli; Garofalo, Genovese, Gambardella (65′ Eletto); Olivieri (79′ D’Angelo), Lo Scalzo (65′ Borriello), Cimmaruta, Caucci; Smeraldi, Gorica (46′ Raggioli); Camelio (79′ Nardozi). Subs: Lattisi; De Luca; De Martino, Maida, Saviano; Anić. Coach: Rocco.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Longoni; Di Siena, Colombo, Cullotta, Tartaglia; Pandolfi, Mancioppi, Perera; Plazzotta, Castiello, Lontani (88′ Cissè). Subs: Catalano, Faccioli; Grilli, Nolli, Pagliei, Vechiu; Angelicchio, Di Maria, Dotta, V. Seedorf. Coach: Renna.
Referee: Colaninno from Nola.
Goals: 57′ pen. Lontani (M), 90’+3 Caucci (N).
Booked: 48′ Perera (M), 64′ Genovese (N), 70′ Eletto (N), 90’+4 Caucci (N).
Source: https://www.acmilan.com/en/news/articles/youth-teams/2025-12-21/primavera-stunned-in-stoppage-time-again
