Genoa vs AC Milan

Downtrodden Serie A giants AC Milan head to Stadio Luigi Ferraris to take on bottom-half Genoa in a must-win clash.

Despite entering this round in 13th and a comfortable 14 points clear of the bottom three, Genoa head into proceedings amid a rough patch, having only won twice across their last nine Serie A outings (D3, L4). A narrow 1-0 defeat at Como a week ago made it back-to-back league losses, marking their third consecutive scoreless game (D1, L2). Genoa’s scoring woes are well-documented, with Patrick Vieira’s side failing to find the net in four of their last five games (W1, D1, L3). Furthermore, a 2-0 loss to Lazio in their most recent home fixture halted an undefeated streak of six home clashes for the Griffins (W5, D1). The upcoming encounter against Milan can hardly inspire much confidence, considering Genoa have suffered five defeats in their last six H2Hs at this venue, drawing a blank on four occasions. 

In stark contrast to Genoa’s recent downturn, Milan will take this trip in scintillating form. After dispatching Venezia, Inter, and Udinese without conceding, ‘I Rossoneri’ can win four consecutive away matches for the first time since March last year. Milan’s recent exploits contrast their previous slump, with Sergio Conceicao’s side losing six of their eight games away from home beforehand (W2). The Coppa Italia finalists can realistically expect to strengthen their current form against a Genoa side they have only lost once against across their last 15 H2Hs (W10, D4). However, a scoreless draw in December’s reverse fixture offers a note of caution, suggesting the visitors cannot take anything for granted.