AC MILAN v GENOA: THE BRIEFING

AC Milan v Genoa will open the Rossoneri's May. At San Siro, two sides face each other to close out a now-ending campaign in the best way possible. The Rossoneri will want to secure second place, the Rossoblù have been certain of their spot in the top flight for some time and are cruising in the middle of the table. Pioli and Gilardino's teams have many differences as well as a few similarities, but what could be the key to the game? Let's get into it in our Briefing.

POSSESSION AND TRANSITIONS
Two very different sides in terms of playing principles and attitude. One is offensive by nature and the other compact in defence. The Rossoneri prefer to attack on all fronts and keep possession, the Rossoblù choose to leave the ball to the opposition trying to punish them for their mistakes: AC Milan's 56.3% possession average is fifth in Serie A whilst Genoa's 43.9% is fifteenth. The recipe for Pioli's side is scoring many goals, while Gilardino's team - cynical and direct - concedes little or nothing. At the Marassi earlier this season, we already had difficulty in creating clear-cut chances, so cynicism and creativity won't go amiss in one-on-one challenges, paying particular attention to negative transitions - i.e. the moments when we lose the ball. For AC Milan, it is also another test against a formation that has often created problems, the 3-5-2.

UP FRONT
Danger and opportunity. To surprise the opposition, to try to break down their compactness. Finding space and breaking down rival lines is a battle for the offensive Rossoneri and the Grifone backline. The Rossoblù wingers are organised but not very fast: for this reason, Leão and Chukwueze - or those who will play in their place - will need to make the most of their abilities to attack the space in the right way at the right time in the zone occupied by the defence. Similarly, but in a different place on the pitch, there will be Albert Guðmundsson creating much danger. The Icelandic player is first in Serie A for number of chances created, and all Genoa's offensive moves will go through him: keeping the 1997-born player at bay could be the key to winning the game. 

CENTRE-FORWARDS BACK TO IT
Giroud and Retegui. The former has only scored one goal in his last 10 games in all competitions after a good start of 2024; the latter has not scored since 24 February against Udinese. Both of them scored for their respective sides in the last international break, but AC Milan and Genoa both absolutely need to get back to scoring with their main attackers. The Frenchman and the Italian never save their energy and give it their all for the squad in both phases of play, to feed them properly and facilitate some finishing, the supply chain needs to improve. A clash within a clash between the 9 and the 19. The Rossonero was the star between the sticks in the game earlier this season and surely wants to be back celebrating in front of home fans.

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