AC Milan did it the hard way at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, overcoming a dominant Genoa side to claim a 2-1 Serie A victory. Christopher Nkunku converted a second-half penalty to break the deadlock, and Zachary Athekame added a crucial second in the 81st minute before Johan Vasquez pulled one back for the hosts four minutes later. Milan’s clinical finishing masked a significant statistical deficit, as Genoa controlled the ball and generated the busier flow of play for long stretches.
Key Moments
- 48′, Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow picked up a yellow card for tripping, setting a physical tone for the second half.
- 50′, Christopher Nkunku stepped up and converted a penalty to give AC Milan the opening goal and break a goalless first half.
- 63′, Bookings for both Gabbia (Milan) and Vitinha (Genoa) within the same minute underlined the growing tension in the contest.
- 81′, Zachary Athekame doubled Milan’s advantage with a normal finish, putting the visitors in firm control with nine minutes to play.
- 86′, Johan Vasquez pulled one back for Genoa, making it 2-1 and setting up a nervy final few minutes, but Milan held on.
Tactical Breakdown
Genoa controlled the match in terms of possession, finishing with 62 percent of the ball compared to Milan’s 38 percent, and completed 402 of 477 passes at an 84 percent accuracy rate. De Rossi’s side set up in a 4-3-2-1 and looked the more purposeful team for large portions of the game, registering 11 total shots to Milan’s eight. However, Genoa’s finishing was poor, managing only two shots on target despite an expected goals figure of 1.35. Milan, by contrast, had six of their eight shots on target, making the most of each opportunity with ruthless efficiency.
Massimiliano Allegri’s decision to bring on Youssouf Fofana and withdraw Santiago Gimenez at the 68th minute reshaped Milan’s midfield balance at a point when Genoa were pushing for an equalizer. Athekame’s goal nine minutes after that double change was the clearest sign that the substitutions steadied the ship and allowed Milan to transition more effectively. The visitors finished with an xG of 1.89, suggesting their two goals were earned rather than fortunate.
Genoa’s inability to convert their territorial advantage into clean scoring chances was ultimately what cost them. Seven shots off target tells the story: De Rossi’s team moved the ball well but failed to test Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan consistently, with Maignan needing only one save in the entire match. With Nkunku already withdrawn by the time Vasquez scored, Milan’s defensive shape held firm enough in the closing minutes to protect the result.
Player Ratings
Verdict
The three points keep AC Milan ticking along in the final stretch of the Serie A season, a victory that rewards their efficiency in front of goal even on a day when Genoa made life difficult. For De Rossi’s Genoa, the performance offered enough positives in possession and structure, but the failure to find the net until the 86th minute will be the frustrating takeaway from a match they had the ball to win.