In a thrilling encounter at the Marassi stadium, AC Milan secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Genoa in the final match of the 35th round of Serie A on Monday, May 5, 2025. The match saw a remarkable turnaround for the Rossoneri, who managed to overturn an early deficit against the already safe Grifoni.
The game kicked off at 20:45, with Genoa taking the lead in the 61st minute thanks to a stunning right-footed volley from Vitinha, who scored with his first touch after being substituted in. The assist came from Martin, who delivered a precise cross that caught the Milan defense off guard.
However, Milan responded swiftly, equalizing just 15 minutes later. Rafael Leao, who had been a livewire throughout the match, found the back of the net in the 76th minute with a powerful shot, assisted by Santiago Gimenez. Just a minute later, the Rossoneri took the lead when an unfortunate own goal from Frendrup sealed the victory for Milan, who now look ahead to their Coppa Italia final.
Genoa's coach Patrick Vieira expressed pride in his team's performance despite the loss, stating, "I have never doubted our goal of achieving safety. If I had, I wouldn’t be here. But I have always believed in this group, and I complimented the players for their attitude because they worked with pride and determination.” Vieira emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not letting the team down in the final matches of the season.
On the other hand, Milan's coach Sergio Conceicao acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly with the Coppa Italia final against Bologna looming on May 14, 2025. "The league is what it is, but we have the responsibility to show quality every day, a team different from what we have sometimes been in the league," he said. Conceicao's side needed the win to keep their hopes alive for a potential European spot, albeit through the league.
The match was marked by a series of yellow cards, with Leao, Joao Félix, and Matteo Gabbia all receiving cautions for various infractions. Leao’s yellow card was particularly concerning, as he will miss the next match against Bologna due to accumulation.
As the match progressed, Milan showed resilience and tactical flexibility, with Conceicao making key substitutions that ultimately changed the game’s dynamics. The introduction of players like Joao Félix and Yunus Musah added fresh energy to the Milan attack, allowing them to exploit Genoa's defensive lapses.
Genoa, who had already secured their place in Serie A for the next season, fought valiantly but were unable to find an equalizer despite several late attempts. Their performance, however, was commendable, especially considering their recent struggles in the league.
The match concluded after six minutes of added time, with referee Giuseppe Collu blowing the final whistle, marking a significant victory for Milan. The Rossoneri will now turn their focus to the Coppa Italia final, hoping to build on this momentum.
This match was not only crucial for Milan's league aspirations but also served as a confidence booster as they head into the cup final. The victory against Genoa, who have historically been a challenging opponent, will provide the team with the belief needed to face Bologna in a week’s time.
As for the statistics, this match marked the 112th encounter between Genoa and Milan in Serie A, with the Rossoneri leading the all-time series with 55 wins compared to Genoa's 20 victories, along with 36 draws. The match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Genoa looking to end their season on a high note and Milan striving to achieve their objectives.
Fans can look forward to watching Milan’s next match against Bologna as they aim to secure a trophy while continuing their pursuit of European football next season. As the season winds down, every match counts, and both teams will need to bring their best to the pitch.
