GENOA: AC Milan battled back from a goal down to defeat Genoa 2-1 in a rain-drenched Serie A match on Monday, thanks to a rapid second-half response sparked by Rafael Leão’s equalizer and capped by an own goal from Morten Frendrup.
The win keeps Milan ninth in the table with 57 points, six behind fourth-placed Juventus, with three rounds left in the season.
Despite a sluggish and uninspired start, Milan turned the tide late in the match after struggling to impose themselves for much of the game.
With key fixtures against Bologna in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia final on the horizon, manager Sergio Conceição’s side lacked urgency early on but rallied in time to take all three points.
“We always try to improve, individually and collectively,” Conceição said post-match. “The players responded well, which shows their belief in our work at Milanello. I’m pleased with that.”
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan was pivotal in the first half, producing several crucial saves to deny a dominant Genoa.
Christian Pulisic nearly put Milan ahead just before the break, but his close-range effort was brilliantly stopped by Genoa keeper Nicola Leali.
After the break, Genoa struck first in the 61st minute when substitute Vitinha scored with his first touch, latching onto a precise cross to fire past Maignan.
But Milan struck back quickly. In the 76th minute, Santiago Giménez’s low ball into the box found Leão, whose deflected shot leveled the score.
Just two minutes later, Milan completed their comeback when Frendrup, trying to clear a low cross, accidentally bundled the ball into his own net.
Leão almost added a third deep into stoppage time, but his fierce strike was parried away by Leali.
“We played a tough team on a tough pitch,” Conceição added. “We could’ve done better in possession during the first half. Credit to Genoa but we must look for more depth in our play.”
[Reported by Arab News]
