Fiorentina Under-19s were knocked out of the Viareggio Cup in bitter fashion this afternoon as Leonardo Semplici’s side lost 4-2 to Filippo Inzaghi’s AC Milan.

Despite creating a glut of chances in the opening period, a combination of poor finishing and bad luck meant the Viola incredibly found themselves 0-2 down at the break as the Rossoneri capitalised on almost their only two opportunities of the half (Barisic 30, Benedicic 40).

Leonardo Semplici’s boys launched a spirited fightback after the break and got themselves on level terms thanks to Gondo (62) and Fazzi (68). They carved out further chances and nearly completed the turnaround before a spectacular 86th-minute free kick from Modic restored AC Milan’s lead. With Fiorentina piling forward in search of an equaliser, Pinato netted a late fourth for the Rossoneri on the counter-attack.

So there will be no Carnival Cup joy for the Viola this year but they go out of the competition with their heads held high. They will now turn their attentions to the championship (they currently lie second behind Lazio in Group C) and the two-legged Coppa Italia final against Lazio.