Genoa faced off against AC Milan in a pivotal Serie A clash on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the iconic Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The match was crucial for Milan as they sought to improve their league standing, currently sitting in ninth place, with aspirations of a top-six finish. Meanwhile, Genoa, positioned 13th in the league, had little to gain from the match other than pride and a chance to upset their more illustrious opponents.
Kick-off was set for 19:45 BST, with both teams eager to secure a vital three points. AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao opted for continuity in his lineup, fielding a 3-4-2-1 formation. Notably absent was star forward Rafael Leao, who was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the attacking setup alongside Luka Jovic, who returned from injury. The Rossoneri aimed to build momentum ahead of their upcoming Coppa Italia final against Bologna, making this match all the more significant.
The first half saw a flurry of activity, with Genoa's Vitinha striking first. In the 25th minute, he found the back of the net with a well-placed volley, assisted by Aaron Martin. Vitinha's goal marked his first of the season, sending the home fans into a frenzy. As the match progressed, Genoa appeared to gain confidence, with Andrea Pinamonti leading their attack, supported by former Milan player Junior Messias.
Despite the setback, Milan remained determined. Their first real chance came shortly after Genoa's goal when Theo Hernandez and Christian Pulisic stood over a free-kick from 35 yards. Theo's low delivery was well-saved by Genoa's goalkeeper, Nicola Leali, who was called into action multiple times throughout the first half. Milan's Jovic had a chance to equalize but was thwarted at point-blank range by Leali, showcasing the goalkeeper's skills.
As the match continued, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. Milan controlled the ball more but couldn’t convert their possession into goals. Tijjani Reijnders had a shot from the edge of the area that went off target after being set up by Jovic, further frustrating the visitors who were looking to level the score.
In the second half, Genoa made a substitution, bringing on Vitinha for Messias, hoping to maintain their lead. Milan's coach Conceicao also made adjustments, with players like Emerson Royal returning from injury, indicating a strategy to push for an equalizer. The intensity of the match increased, with both teams exchanging chances. Frendrup for Genoa had a shot from 12 yards that missed the target, while Pulisic continued to pressure the Genoa defense.
With the match entering its final minutes, Milan pressed hard, desperate to find an equalizer. They managed to win several corners, but each time, Leali stood firm, denying their attempts. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with both teams aware of the stakes involved.
As the referee signaled for two minutes of added time, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, hoping for one final moment of magic. However, despite Milan's best efforts, the score remained unchanged, and Genoa held on for a crucial victory.
This match exemplified the unpredictability of Serie A, where even mid-table teams can pull off significant upsets. For Genoa, the win provided a much-needed boost as they look to finish the season on a high note. Meanwhile, AC Milan will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their Coppa Italia final, hoping to turn their season around.
Overall, this clash showcased the resilience of both teams and highlighted the fierce competition within Italy's top flight. With the league nearing its conclusion, every match carries weight, and both Genoa and Milan will reflect on this encounter as they look to secure their respective goals for the season.
