AC Milan produced a quick-fire second-half comeback to secure all three points in a 2-1 win at Genoa on Monday night.
It wasn’t a particularly convincing display from the Rossoneri, and after falling behind on the hour mark as Vitinha broke the deadlock for the hosts, there was a danger that we were set to drop more points.
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However, after Rafael Leao drew us level with a deflected effort, an own goal from Morten Frendrup just a minute later helped secure a rapid turnaround to seal the win, and it continues our momentum and confidence-building form in recent weeks ahead of the Coppa Italia Final.
It’s seemingly too late to salvage anything of significance from what has been an underwhelming and poor Serie A campaign, but it’s important that we’re in good shape next week in our bid to win another trophy this season.
AC Milan player ratings vs Genoa:
Mike Maignan, 7.5 – Little he could have done for the goal, but he produced a string of fantastic saves to keep us in the game and help us on our way to winning it. Decisive influence on the outcome in a brilliant performance.
Fikayo Tomori, 6 – Positive shift defensively to limit Genoa’s threat, but his distribution isn’t always accurate enough and that’s an important facet of the game when he’s playing in this role.
Matteo Gabbia, 7 – Another impressive display as he marshalled the backline well and kept us organised and disciplined defensively. Growing into his leadership role.
Strahinja Pavlovic, 5.5 – Had periods in the game where he looked solid and cut out danger, but always a fine line between that and looking vulnerable as he struggled at times with errors that could have cost us.
Alex Jimenez, 5.5 – Wasn’t able to have the desired impact on the game on our right side, as although he worked hard in and out of possession, didn’t have much of an influence on our play.
Youssouf Fofana, 6 – Started the game well and was a physical presence in midfield to help us get a foothold and maintain a sense of control. Hopefully his injury isn’t serious having been forced off after just 28 minutes following a knock to his foot.
Tijjani Reijnders, 6 – A decent outing but below the Dutchman’s usual high standards. Worked hard for the team and got into some good positions, but his end product was lacking, be it as a creator or as a direct threat on goal.
Theo Hernandez, 6 – Showed good intent to get forward and try to make something happen by offering a threat down our left flank, but he couldn’t quite add that last bit to make the difference. Good effort defensively as part of the collective unit to make it difficult for Genoa.
Christian Pulisic, 5.5 – Almost scored an own goal and should have done better at the other end with a big chance that fell to him but he couldn’t convert. Could arguably do with a rest ahead of the Final next week given he’s an all-action presence and looked to be tired.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 6 – Good to see him back in the starting line-up after his injury woes. Did a decent job for the team as he showed versatility and adaptability by playing in different roles as the game went on.
Luka Jovic, 5 – Showed good touch and link-up play at times, but nowhere near often or effective enough. Milan needed more from him not only as a focal point up top, but to also offer a threat in and around the box, which he struggled to do in this one.
Substitutes:
Rafael Leao, 7.5 – Took a while to get up to the speed of the game, but he made the difference in the second half with our equaliser, albeit it took a big deflection, while he created and forced the own goal for our winner. An important contribution off the bench as he could have been left frustrated over being left out.
Joao Felix, 6 – Positive impact as he looked lively and played with good intent to help us create and try to make something happen as we turned the game around.
Santiago Gimenez, 6.5 – Showed good energy and desire to come on and make a decisive contribution. Provided the assist for Leao’s goal and gave us a more effective focal point in attack to add rhythm to our play in the attacking third.
Yunus Musah, N/A
Kyle Walker, N/A