GdS: How Milan took a big step towards top four in Genoa and why apprehensions remain

Milan won at Stadio Luigi Ferraris against Genoa after a poor first half with few chances and Genoa holding over 60% possession. At halftime, Roma led their derby and Milan were outside the Champions League places. Genoa’s setup and possession contrasted with Milan’s inability to build out early, but Milan’s second-half response changed the match. Amorim’s under-hit back-pass allowed Nkunku to latch on, win a penalty after being brought down, and convert it. Zachary Athekame doubled the advantage, and the lead held. The win puts Milan one victory from securing third place and a return to the Champions League.

"At half-time, with Roma ahead in the derby, Milan were sat outside the Champions League zone in the league table. It came after a bad first half performance too, without any big chances and with Genoa having over 60% possession. Daniele De Rossi's team, courageous in their set-up (4-2-3-1) and in the number of creative players, seemed like the ones chasing the Champions League. Massimiliano Allegri's team, penned in at the back, incapable of building out, seemed like the ones who had just achieved Serie A survival."

"A handful of minutes of the second half, the moment came: Amorim provided an under-hit back-pass that Nkunku latched onto. He was brought down by the goalkeeper, winning a penalty that he then converted. Zachary Athekame would double the advantage, and the second half show would be enough. Turning the tide, the result means that Milan are one win away from securing third place and a return to the Champions League."

"Of the eight matches since the derby win on March 8th, Milan have lost five and haven't scored in five. Allegri deserves credit for pulling the trigger and calling a training retreat at the decisive moment. The players responded with the personality that Juventus lacked at the crucial moment, as they were beaten at home by Fiorentina. Despite the defeat last week against Atalanta and the external noise, and despite a poor start at the Marassi, Milan still gave the impression of being more vibrant than in recent outings."

"Ardon Jashari, who was disastrous against Sassuolo, managed his role a different attitude yesterday. Athekame, after his injury-time goal against Pisa, scored another crucial goal. There was more from Nkunku after months of criticism. Only glimpses of the real Adrien Rabiot"

Read at SempreMilan