NEVER‑SAY‑DIE PERFORMANCE AT MARASSI
Serie A
As it was against Hellas Verona and Parma, this time at Marassi against Genoa, AC Milan have drawn 2-2 in the league, and again they came from behind to rescue the point. Goals from Calabria (52') and Kalulu (83') pegged Genoa back, who were twice given the lead by Destro. In contrast to those other two results, however, the Rossoneri didn't play well tonight and struggled to create chances throughout the 90 minutes. The Rossoblù haven't started the season well but nonetheless managed to make life difficult for Pioli's side. This evening more than ever, absences and fatigue seemed to take a toll. It's just one point, but we'll certainly take it. The defence came up big at the Ferraris tonight: if Destro's brace highlighted the potential for errors in the backline, goals from Calabria and Kalulu certainly made up for it. Matchday 12 is now behind us and the Diavolo is still top of the league on 28 points, though AC Milan's lead at the top has been cut to just one point. Now, attention turns to Sunday 19 December (15:00 CET) and a trip to take on Sassuolo.
TAKE A LOOK: THE GALLERY FROM GENOA V AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
AC Milan got off to a rather sluggish start, only coming close through Castillejo's shot from the edge of the post and a Çalhanoğlu, which was saved by Perin. The first real chance of the game fell to the home side; Destro it was, who had hearts in mouths with his shot on the turn (35'). It was then the Rossoneri's turn to threaten; Rebić did well to beat two defenders but couldn't beat the Genoa goalkeeper, who palmed it away. Romagnoli's header from the ensuing corner flew just over the crossbar. Goalless at the break.
The Rossoneri found themselves behind just after half time; Shomurodov's shot was saved by Donnarumma, but Destro turned home the rebound (47'). AC Milan weren't behind for long though as Calabria equalised in the 52nd minute with a brilliant effort from range. Destro restored the Grifone's lead and got his brace in the 60th minute with a precise header inside the six-yard box. The Diavolo was down, but never out; Hauge's shot was deflected just wide (78') and Çalhanoğlu missed the target with a powerful - deflected - shot (82'). Then, in the 83rd minute, in the midst of the chaos, Kalulu popped up in the box and put it past Perin to equalise. In the dying moments of the game, Donnarumma denied Scamacca and Goldaniga fired over the bar. Honours even after the final whistle.
GENOA 2-2 AC MILAN
GENOA (4-4-2): Perin; Goldaniga, Bani, Masiello, Pellegrini (46' Czyborra); Ghiglione, Lerager, Sturaro (76' Behrami), Pjaca (68' Melegoni); Shomurodov (85' Radovanović), Destro (76' Scamacca). Subs: Paleari, Zima; Criscito, Dumbravanu; Badelj, Radovanović, Rovella, Zajc. Coach: Maran.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kalulu, Romagnoli, Dalot; Kessie, Tonali (77' Díaz); Castillejo (53' Saelemaekers), Çalhanoğlu, Leão; Rebić (53' Hauge). Subs: A. Donnarumma, Tătărușanu; Conti, Duarte, Hernández, Musacchio; Krunić; Colombo, Maldini. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Orsato from Schio.
Goals: 47' e 60' Destro (G), 52' Calabria (M), 83' Kalulu (M).
Booked: 18' Pellegrini (G), 25' Romagnoli (M), 53' Castillejo (M), 83' Leão, 87' Radovanović (G).
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