AC Milan celebrated its 125th anniversary on December 15, 2024, but the occasion turned sour as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Genoa at the iconic San Siro. Expectations were high following their recent loss to Atalanta and the aftermath of Paulo Fonseca's post-match fury after the Red Star match. Unfortunately for the Rossoneri, fans were left disappointed as the team appeared sluggish and imprecise throughout the encounter.
Despite hosting the match, AC Milan struggled to regain momentum and push for victory. Genoa, demonstrating strong defensive resolve, stifled Milan's attacks effectively. Alvaro Morata, who came on as a substitute, missed the biggest opportunities of the night, most shockingly hitting the bar with only the keeper to beat. The result sees the Rossoneri maintaining eighth place on the Serie A table, effectively dampening any hopes they had of pushing for Champions League qualification.
On the tactical front, Fonseca opted for significant roster changes, making five alterations from the team’s recent lineup. Players like Emerson Royal and Alex Jimenez were included to bolster the defense, alongside the attacking talents of Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Liberali, and Morata up front. The first substantial chance of the match fell to Milan, as Tijjani Reijnders launched forward unopposed, initiating combined efforts with Tammy Abraham and Emerson Royal. A promising low shot from Royal was expertly saved, setting the tone for the match's persistent frustration.
Yet as the game unfolded, it was clear both sides battled not just against each other but against the weight of expectations. FC Milan had several chances, including another opportunity where Abraham's setup should have yielded more, but his shot veered wide of the far post. It was not just the players who struggled; the officiated aspects of the match were also contentious, particularly around potential penalties for both teams during the opening half.
One key moment came just twenty minutes after kick-off when Liberali, making strides toward the penalty area, appeared to be brought down by Genoa’s Miretti. Referee Marco Guida, though, instructed play to continue, much to the chagrin of Milan supporters who believed the contact warranted a penalty. Interestingly, the replays suggested there was contact, albeit the referee likely dismissed it due to the actorically exaggerated fall.
Genoa also had their claims for a penalty during the first half, but like Milan's shout, it was similarly overlooked by the officials. Tension built as neither side could capitalize on their chances or the dubious refereeing. Milan’s best chance just before the halftime mark came from Jimenez, whose distant shot was deflected but saved adequately by Genoa's keeper, Leali.
After the break, Fonseca switched his tactics, bringing more attacking strength with Morata replacing Abraham. Immediately, Leali was under pressure again, showcasing his skills with a brilliant save to deny another chance from Emerson. Yet as the match continued, the action slowed. Milan's offensive threats dwindled, with only marginally dangerous shots from Leao and Jimenez as the game trudged toward its final whistle.
A missed opportunity for Morata late on, where he found himself well-positioned after Reijnders made another clever run, saw him curling his shot wide, resulting yet again in collective sighs from the players and fans alike. The tension grew palpable as time ticked away, and it was evident the match would conclude without goals from either side.
The post-match reflections highlighted both dissatisfaction and questions surrounding Milan’s midfield setup, prompting speculation about potential January signings to reinforce the team. Fonseca’s eye was caught by Morten Frendrup during the game, as reports indicated the Dane could step up to provide the defensive quality and more needed rotation to the beleaguered midfield.
With AC Milan now searching for solutions and needing to rectify their course, the results against Genoa serve as more than just another match on the fixture. They signify the need for reflection and strategy moving toward the next chapter of the season as the January transfer window approaches.
