AC Milan face a pivotal match-up on Wednesday against Genoa. It’s not a tough match in regards to Genoa’s form – as they sit 19th in Serie A – but an absolute must-win for the Rossoneri to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
After years of misery, Milan have hit their long-awaited return to relevancy, but the history of past seasons indicated they’re in for a rough patch of form. Manager Stefano Pioli and his men know this and must avoid it.
AC Milan Travel to Genoa
AC Milan Form
Milan continue to be in hot form. Their last five games were four wins in succession before a draw at the weekend. The draw at home to Parma was disappointing though as Milan found themselves two goals down and had to climb their way back at the end, giving themselves no chance to win. The draw cut their lead from five points to three over second-place Inter Milan.
Theo Hernandez was stellar in the Parma match. His brace shouldn’t come as a surprise, as he’s a fantastic option going forward from the defence, but the rest of the attack was very disappointing. He’s in hot form, however, and is arguably the top left-back in the league.
In the four games prior, all victories, Milan outscored their opponents 8-3. Youngster Jens Petter Hauge and veteran Franck Kessie have been very impressive.
But the goals aren’t all coming from the attack. This, of course, is due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s absence. Ante Rebic has struggled to get things going, but youngster Rafael Leão is back from injury.
Three other key players that will likely be missing are Simon Kjaer, Matteo Gabbia, and Ismael Bennacer. Kjaer is the team’s best defender to date, and his back-up is Gabbia. Milan will be short-handed and likely start the young and inexperienced Pierre Kalulu. Bennacer is the engine of this team, but luckily for Milan, they have the 2020 Italian Golden Boy winner Sandro Tonali to step up in his place.
Genoa Form
Genoa’s form has been horrid, to say the least. In their last eight matches, they have one victory, two draws, and five losses. They’re by no means a top-four contender, but they should find themselves at roughly mid-table every season.
What’s odd too is that Genoa can score – in those eight matches they’ve scored just one goal in seven of those, and scored multiple in the other. Their defence, and inability to close out games, are a major cause for concern. Dropping to an early deficit to Milan will most likely spell doom for Genoa once again.
AC Milan’s Likely Starting Line-up
Pioli and Milan will run with their typical 4-2-3-1 formation.
Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in goal, as he continues to prove this season that’s he’s far more than just one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers. He’s on the brink of the top goalkeepers in the world conversation.
The four men in the back will be Hernandez, Alessio Romagnoli, Kalulu, and Davide Calabria. Romagnoli needs to be massive in this match to make up for Kalulu’s inexperience. With that being said, Kalulu has looked solid in his limited time this season.
Kessie and Tonali will man the midfield.
The attack will likely feature Samu Castillejo, Hakan Calhanoglu, Hauge, and Rebic. Castillejo has been solid recently, proving to be a nice depth option. Calhanoglu is a must-start every week. This is the perfect match for Rebic to finally find his name back on the score sheet.
Prediction: Milan 2-0 Genoa
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