Two goals in six first-half minutes were enough for AC Milan to take three points at Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, as Cissè and Pulisic put Ruben Amorim’s side firmly in control before the match was 20 minutes old. Genoa pushed hard to get back into the game and had the better of the second half statistically, but Maignan’s five saves kept the visitors ahead. Ellertsson’s late header from a Baldanzi assist with two minutes remaining made it a nervy finish, yet Milan held on for a 2-1 win that keeps them fourth in Serie A.
Key Moments
- 13′, Cissè opens the scoring, turning home an Rabiot delivery to give Milan an early lead at Marassi.
- 19′, Pulisic doubles the advantage six minutes later, finishing from a Gonçalo Ramos pass to put the visitors firmly in charge.
- 50′, Marcandalli and Rabiot both pick up yellow cards in a feisty start to the second half as Genoa look to press for a way back.
- 61′, Amorim withdraws Cissè at the hour mark, bringing on Hutchinson as Milan look to manage the game.
- 88′, Ellertsson pulls one back for Genoa, converting a Baldanzi cross to set up a tense closing spell.
Tactical Breakdown
Milan’s game plan at Luigi Ferraris was built on patience and speed in transition. Amorim’s side finished with 62 percent possession and 580 passes completed, but the numbers that mattered most came in the opening quarter-hour. With Genoa still settling into their 3-4-2-1 shape, Rabiot found Cissè in the 13th minute, and six minutes later Gonçalo Ramos teed up Pulisic for a finish that made it 2-0. Despite generating an xG of just 0.67, Milan were ruthlessly efficient, converting both their shots on target.
The tactical pivot came after the break, when Amorim made two changes at once around the 61st-62nd minute, removing Cissè and Bocoum for Hutchinson and Terracciano. The move shifted Milan into a more defensive shape and allowed Genoa to dominate territory. The home side finished with 17 total shots and an xG of 1.22, but Maignan’s five saves repeatedly denied them an earlier equalizer. Genoa’s own double substitution at 62 minutes brought on Baldanzi and S. El Shaarawy in an attempt to add creativity, and it was Baldanzi who eventually set up Ellertsson’s late goal.
Genoa struggled to break down Milan’s defensive block during the middle portion of the second half, in part because their forwards were isolated. Osmajić had little service and finished with the team’s worst outfield rating. The midfielders Ehizibue and Wiafe pushed forward repeatedly from their wide positions but could not deliver a consistent final product. By the time Genoa manufactured genuine pressure, there were barely two minutes of normal time left.
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Verdict
The win moves AC Milan to 24 points, one behind Inter in third and five back of leaders Lazio, keeping Amorim’s side firmly in the conversation for a Champions League place. For Genoa, sitting 13th on 13 points, there is cause for concern in how they conceded twice so early, though their second-half performance showed enough character to keep spirits up. A late goal is rarely consolation, but Ellertsson’s finish at least ensures the home crowd left with something to remember.
AC Milan
Genoa
A. Cissè