AC MILAN SUFFER HOME DEFEAT
Serie A
A bad Sunday for AC Milan. In a surreal atmosphere at San Siro, the Rossoneri suffered their first home defeat since AC Milan 1-2 Lazio on 3 November as Genoa came out on top today. Ibra's goal wasn't enough for the Diavolo, who went two behind before the break following goals from Pandev and Cassata. Despite good initial early signs, Coach Pioli's men didn't reach the standards they have set so far in 2020. The Rossoneri weren't precise in their play and particularly struggled in the first half against a Rossoblù side who pressed well and were organised at the back. Nevertheless, the Diavolo did have chances to score. Had they been taken, the outcome could have been different this afternoon. Now, the team must immediately start focusing on their next fixture, an away trip to Lecce next Sunday at 12:30 CET, as they look to get back on track.
SEE THE AC MILAN V GENOA MATCH GALLERY
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan started well, passing the ball crisply and putting some promising moves together. But then Genoa struck: in the 7th minute, Sanabria won back possession from Theo, escaped Bennacer's attentions and found Pandev, who was left with the easy task of putting the ball in the net. The Rossoneri looked to respond as Çalhanoğlu and Ibrahimović combined. First, a cross from the former found Zlatan, whose point-blank header was parried away by Perin after 17 minutes. Then, Ibra picked out Hakan with a ball over the top, but the Genoa goalkeeper managed to make himself big to deny the Turk. But the away team then caught AC Milan cold on the break with 41 minutes on the clock: Biraschi crossed it in, Schöne provided a back-heel assist and Cassata finished it off. After the restart, the Diavolo pushed forward from the very start. Ibra went for an overhead kick but was unable to hit the target in the 66th minute. Shortly after, Bonaventura looked to catch Perin off his line but was unsuccessful with his long-range attempt. AC Milan pulled one back in the 77th minute as Zlatan reacted well to turn Bonaventura's shot towards goal into the net following a Rossoneri corner. Three minutes later, the Swedish striker headed Bennacer's excellent cross wide. AC Milan's late pressure didn't bring any rewards, with Genoa securing the win at San Siro.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 1-2 GENOA
AC MILAN (4-4-1-1): Begović; Conti (91' Calabria), Gabbia, Romagnoli, Hernández; Castillejo, Kessie, Bennacer, Rebić (56' Leão); Çalhanoğlu (56' Bonaventura); Ibrahimović. Subs.: Donnarumma A., Soncin; Laxalt, Musacchio; Biglia, Brescianini, Paquetá, Saelemaekers. Coach.: Pioli.
GENOA (3-5-2): Perin; Romero, Soumaoro, Masiello; Biraschi, Behrami (63' Jagiello), Schöne (57' Sturaro), Cassata, Criscito; Pandev (79' Pinamonti), Sanabria. Subs.: Ichazo, Marchetti; Zapata, Barreca, Goldaniga, Falque, Eriksson, Destro, Ankersen. Coach: Nicola.
Referee: Doveri from Roma
Goals: 7' Pandev (G), 41' Cassata (G), 77' Ibrahimović (M)
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