Gerard Deulofeu makes AC Milan debut in Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus
Thursday 26 January 2017 12:12, UK
Gerard Deulofeu came on as a substitute to make his AC Milan debut against Juventus in the Coppa Italia and missed a glorious chance to become an instant hero.
The Spanish winger, who moved to the Serie A club on a season-long loan deal from Everton, was given just over 10 minutes after replacing striker Carlos Bacca.
And with Juve leading 2-1 he had a big chance to make an instant impact and grab an unlikely equaliser, bursting through on goal in the 85th minute.
However, the 22-year-old was denied by the legs of goalkeeper Neto from a tight angle as the Serie A champions held on for victory.
Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic had given the hosts a 2-0 lead by the 21st minute before Bacca reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute.
Milan's chances of a fightback were dealt a blow a minute later when Manuel Locatelli saw red for a second bookable offence when he lunged at Dybala moments later as Juve held on for a dramatic win.
Juventus will now meet Napoli in the two-leg semi-finals. Inter Milan host Lazio next week and Roma host second division Cesena in the other last-eight ties.
