AC Milan failed to celebrate their 125th anniversary with style as they were held to a goalless 0-0 draw against Genoa at San Siro on December 15, 2024. The match, which was enthusiastically anticipated by home fans, turned out to be another frustrating encounter for the Rossoneri, who have struggled to find consistent form this season.
Prior to the match, coach Paulo Fonseca was facing significant pressure due to injuries plaguing his squad. Key players including Christian Pulisic, Alvaro Morata, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were sidelined, limiting his options and necessitating the inclusion of teenage sensations Alex Jimenez and 17-year-old Mattia Liberali. For the young Liberali, this match marked his Serie A debut.
"I spoke to the team, I looked the players in the eye and told them what I wanted... The problem is mental: we have to face every match with the same motivation," Fonseca said before the game, highlighting the mental struggles his side faced.
Milan started strong, pushing forward aggressively and controlling possession. Despite their significant advantage, they struggled to convert chances, with Brazilian defender Emerson Royal coming closest to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header, expertly saved by Genoa’s keeper.
On the opposite side, Genoa, under the management of Patrick Vieira, adopted a strong defensive stance. They aimed to frustrate Milan's attacking moves and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. Vieira pointed out the challenge Milan presented, stating, "We’ll certainly be up against a strong side with excellent coaching. We want to cause them problems when we have the ball, too."
The first half ended without goals, with Milan having recorded eight attempts on target, compared to Genoa’s single effort which posed no threat to goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The visitors showcased resilience and determination, deflecting several dangerous attempts from Milan and maintaining their defensive organization.
Replacing players became pivotal as the match progressed, with Fonseca opting for substitutions to inject fresh energy and creativity. Tammy Abraham, who had made notable contributions earlier this season, missed several opportunities and was taken off at halftime. "It was right to take him off at half-time, at least that's what we thought; perhaps it’s not correct, considering Morata’s performance later on," noted analysts of the game.
The second half saw Milan intensify their offensive efforts, yet frustration grew as they continued to be thwarted by Genoa’s disciplined backline. Jimenez, who had garnered attention throughout the match, delivered commendable performances on both ends, showcasing why he was chosen over veteran Theo Hernandez.
Despite their lack of goals, the home side managed to keep a clean sheet, with defenders like Gabbia and Thiaw performing admirably. Jimenez was recognized as the man of the match, demonstrating exceptional skills and defensive contributions. The final whistle blew, confirming the 0-0 result, which felt underwhelming for Milan fans expecting more from their team on such an important occasion.
Looking at the broader picture, this match was consequential for both teams. AC Milan remains grounded as they navigate through injury troubles and aim to climb the Serie A table, which they currently sit outside of the top-four race. The Rossoneri continue to dream of reclaiming their status as title challengers, but consistency is becoming increasingly elusive.
On the other hand, Genoa’s unbeaten streak continued, providing them with much-needed stability after challenging starts to the season. They remain focused on building momentum and pushing away from the relegation zone.
After the match, fans reminisced about the club's rich history and celebrated the anniversary with notable former players, yet on the pitch, both teams were left with more questions than answers heading forward.
