In a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, AC Milan showcased their resilience once again, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Genoa in the Serie A on May 5, 2025. This marks Milan's third consecutive win, reinforcing their momentum as they look forward to the upcoming Coppa Italia final.
The match began with a challenging start for Milan, who found themselves trailing after Vitinha scored for Genoa in the 60th minute. The Portuguese midfielder seized the opportunity to put his team ahead, firing a right-footed shot past Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was left helpless on this occasion.
However, the Rossoneri demonstrated their trademark fighting spirit. Rafael Leão, who was substituted in for the injured Youssouf Fofana in the 28th minute, played a crucial role in the comeback. In the 76th minute, Leão scored the equalizer, capitalizing on a deflection from Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy, sending the ball past goalkeeper Nicola Leali.
Just a minute later, the tide turned dramatically for Milan as an unfortunate own goal by Morten Frendrup sealed the victory for the visitors. Frendrup attempted to intercept a cross but inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, handing Milan a 2-1 lead.
Milan's coach Sérgio Conceição praised his team's resolve, stating, "The boys showed great character to come back after going behind. It’s a testament to their spirit and determination. We are building something special here, and this win gives us confidence as we prepare for the Coppa Italia final against Bologna."
Despite the loss, Genoa's coach Patrick Vieira expressed pride in his team's performance, noting, "We played well and were solid for most of the match. To concede two goals in such quick succession is tough to take. The players gave everything, and we can build on this performance moving forward."
Throughout the match, Milan's Maignan was a standout performer, making several crucial saves, including a remarkable stop to deny Christian Pulisic from scoring in the first half. His performance earned him a rating of 7.5, as he kept Milan in the game during difficult moments.
Leão, who was pivotal in the second half, received an 8 for his impact, while the rest of the team had mixed ratings. Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia contributed defensively, with both receiving solid marks for their efforts.
On the other hand, Genoa's goalkeeper Leali was also impressive, earning a 6.5 for his solid performance, particularly in the first half where he thwarted multiple Milan attempts. Despite the loss, players like Vitinha and Norton-Cuffy showed promise, with Vitinha receiving a rating of 7 for his goal.
The match also saw some disciplinary issues, as Morten Thorsby of Genoa received a yellow card, which will see him miss the next match against Napoli due to suspension. Meanwhile, Leão will also face a one-match ban for his actions during the game, leaving Milan without one of their key players in the upcoming league fixture.
This victory not only boosts Milan's confidence but also keeps them in contention for a strong finish in Serie A as they prepare for the Coppa Italia final against Bologna on May 14, 2025. With the momentum on their side, the Rossoneri are eager to maintain their winning streak and secure silverware this season.
As the season progresses, Milan's ability to perform under pressure will be tested, but with players like Leão and Maignan stepping up, they seem well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. The fans will be hoping that this comeback victory is just the beginning of a successful run as they aim for glory in both the league and the cup.
