{"id":612012,"date":"2022-04-13T14:47:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T18:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=612012"},"modified":"2022-04-13T14:47:36","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T18:47:36","slug":"ac-milan-genoa-serie-a-title","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2022\/04\/13\/ac-milan-genoa-serie-a-title\/","title":{"rendered":"AC Milan Host Genoa in Must Win Game as Rossoneri Aim For Serie A Title"},"content":{"rendered":"

AC Milan plays host to Genoa on Friday night in a pivotal fixture for the Serie A title. Less than two weeks ago, odds were in Milan’s favour when it came to raising the Scudetto\u00a0<\/em>next month.<\/p>\n

Recent results have left a sour taste in the\u00a0Rossoneri’s<\/em> mouth, however, and now title chances are in jeopardy. Further dropped points can result in dropping out of the race, so this match is absolutely crucial for Milan.<\/p>\n

AC Milan vs. Genoa Preview<\/h2>\n

Past Results and the Serie A Table<\/h3>\n

Milan’s last two matches came versus Bologna and Torino: both ended in 0-0 draws. The matches were very winnable, especially with the team Milan has and the momentum they were riding.<\/p>\n

The defence did its job as the centre-back duo of Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu proved impenetrable<\/a>. The midfield, no matter who was playing, also looked solid overall.<\/p>\n

Issues arose from attacking and finishing, however<\/a>. Rafael Leao, who’s been a star all season long, is in the midst of a funk.<\/p>\n

Brahim Diaz has been poor throughout 2022, and constantly gets beaten on the ball. Not much comes from the right-wing, whether it be Alexis Saelemaekers or Junior Messias. Finally, Olivier Giroud cannot finish because he’s not being fed proper opportunities.<\/p>\n

Frustration is rising in Milan as the team plays well as a whole, but the attack cannot create chances.<\/p>\n

Genoa’s last two matches were defeats. They lost 1-4 to Lazio and 0-1 to Hellas Verona. This team is clearly beatable for a team like Milan.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Rossoneri\u00a0<\/em>are still first in the Serie A table, holding 68 points in 32 matches. They failed to earn a bigger lead over Napoli (third) after they lost this past weekend. Now Inter Milan, the reigning champions, sit just a point below Milan but have a match in hand. Milan’s lead at first is anything but safe.<\/p>\n

AC Milan Expected XI for Serie A Title Must-Win Game<\/h3>\n

The defence will be full of familiar faces as the unit continues to play well. Mike Maignan has been phenomenal in goal, saving points for the\u00a0Rossoneri\u00a0<\/em>left and right. The fullbacks will be Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez. Hernandez needs to have a big match, as his attacking capabilities are excellent. He will likely be asked to contribute all around the pitch. Finally, Tomori and Kalulu round out the middle of the defence.<\/p>\n

Sandro Tonali and likely Rade Krunic will round out the midfield. Ismael Bennacer, who missed the last match, was spotted in training<\/a> this week, however. Expect a bench appearance.<\/p>\n

The attack will feature Leao, Franck Kessie, Saelemaekers, and Giroud. Leao is in desperate need of a bounce-back match. Diaz, who had a performance to forget versus Torino, will likely be replace by an out-of-position Kessie. That’s not ideal, but shows how poor Diaz has been.<\/p>\n

Giroud absolutely needs to find the back of the net. If anyone on the team is going to score a winner, odds are it will be the experienced Frenchman. The pressure is certainly high for him, as Milan needs goals and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ruled out for the near future<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n