Serie A | Milan v Genoa: Match Preview

AC Milan return to Serie A action on Sunday evening as they host an improving Genoa side at the San Siro. After a midweek Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade, the Rossoneri will be aiming to get their domestic campaign back on track following a recent defeat to local rivals Atalanta.

Paulo Fonseca’s men currently sit 12 points behind league leaders Atalanta, effectively ending their title hopes for this season. However, with three Serie A matches remaining before the winter break, Milan will be eager to close the gap on the top four and boost their chances of Champions League qualification.

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The hosts have an excellent recent record against Genoa, having scored at least twice in eight of their last 10 league meetings and losing just once in their previous 13 encounters. Milan have also kept clean sheets in five of their seven home Serie A matches this season, suggesting they should have the edge on Sunday.

Genoa, under the guidance of former Arsenal and France midfielder Patrick Vieira, arrive at the San Siro in good form. The Grifone are unbeaten in their last five league matches and have won their previous two away games without conceding. Vieira has overseen an improvement in Genoa’s playing style, with increases in passing, shots taken, and points accumulated.

Team News

Milan’s injury woes continue to mount, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic both unavailable for this fixture. Alvaro Morata is also a doubt after picking up a knock midweek, which could see Tammy Abraham lead the line. Rafael Leao, who has been in fine form recently, will be crucial to Milan’s attacking threat.

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For Genoa, veteran striker Mario Balotelli returns to face one of his former clubs, though he is likely to start on the bench. Andrea Pinamonti is expected to lead the line for the visitors. Defender Johan Vasquez returns from suspension, but Genoa will be without several injured players, including former Milan forward Junior Messias.

Expected Starting XIs

Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Musah; Chukwueze, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham

Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby; Zanoli, Miretti; Pinamonti

Match Prediction

Despite Genoa’s recent improvement, AC Milan should have enough quality to secure a narrow victory at home. The Rossoneri’s strong defensive record at the San Siro, combined with Genoa’s lack of firepower up front, suggests a low-scoring affair.

Milan may not be firing on all cylinders, but they possess the experience and talent to grind out a result. Expect a closely fought contest with the home side edging it by a single goal.

Prediction: AC Milan 1-0 Genoa

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