The match between AC Milan and Genoa ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at San Siro, a result that affected Milan’s position in the league standings and boosted Genoa’s confidence. The Rossoneri faced criticism for their inability to secure a win against a team lower in the rankings. Milan equalized with a goal from Rafael Leão in the 92nd minute, which masked a lackluster performance throughout the match.
Milan vs Genoa Highlights
The match marked Milan’s struggle against teams positioned on the right side of the standings, leaving fans and analysts concerned about the team’s trajectory this season. Notably, a missed penalty by Genoa’s Stanciu in injury time could have changed the outcome dramatically.
Key Players
- Rafael Leão: Scored the equalizer in injury time.
- Pulisic: Played a significant role, starting alongside Leão for only the third time this season.
- Thorsby: Selected by De Rossi for midfield support.
Tactical Choices and Strategies
Milan’s coach, Massimiliano Allegri, relied on a familiar starting lineup, reverting to a defensive setup that included Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic. Their midfield featured Modric alongside Thorsby, who was preferred to Ellertsson. Genoa’s De Rossi opted for Marcandalli in defense and Colombo in attack, setting a tactical tone that challenged Milan’s usual strategies.
Match Overview
Early in the match, Milan appeared dominant, but their lack of aggression in the final third became evident. Genoa capitalized on this, scoring first through Colombo after a defensive error by Milan. Despite opportunities for Milan to equalize, including a remarkable save by Genoa’s keeper Leali, it took until the last minute for them to find the back of the net.
Defensive Fumbles
Both teams experienced lapses in defense. Milan’s backline struggled, particularly highlighted by the unmarked positioning of Colombo, who scored the opening goal. Genoa, on the other hand, gained confidence and put forth a disciplined performance throughout the match.
Final Moments
The second half was marked by increased intensity as Milan attempted to regain control. A potential equalizer was disallowed after VAR review, adding to the frustration. The match concluded with Milan’s last-minute equalizer and a late penalty awarded to Genoa, which Stanciu missed, delivering a bittersweet end to the encounter.
This draw leaves Milan trailing their rivals, with a vital match against Fiorentina approaching. The mixed results raise questions about Milan’s ability to maintain consistency in their league campaign.
