Two goals by Rafael Leao and Junior Messias helped Milan to a 2-0 win in a defensive clash with Genoa. The hosts scored a quick opening goal and let their backline go to work, as the Rossoblu offense was unable to build any momentum. Genoa’s defenders also had a strong match, but the early deficit was too much to overcome, and Milan were able to move back into first place.
Milan
Mike Maignan – 7
The Milan goalkeeper was given practically nothing to do, as Genoa managed just a single shot on goal. However, that one shot was a vicious late attempt, and Maignan made a great save to preserve the shutout.
Matteo Gabbia – 5
After a solid first half, the young center-back seemed to lose confidence and made a number of questionable decisions in the second.
Fikayo Tomori – 8
Tomori totally neutralized Piccoli in the defensive third, shutting the young striker down whenever he got on the ball. He was also in possession often for Milan and made smart, safe passes.
Pierre Kalulu – 8
With Gabbia sliding into the center-back position, Kalulu moved over to left-back. The young defender made an immediate impact on the match, playing in a beautiful cross to Leao to create the opening goal. After just seven starts last season, the 21-year-old has developed into an elite defender.
Theo Hernandez – 7
Hernandez provided strong defensive play and was a constant threat on the left wing, particularly as Leao got going.
Sandro Tonali – 7
In the double pivot with Bennacer, Tonali won several tackles and helped Milan retain possession for long spells during the match. He often received the ball from the backline and looked to facilitate play in a progressive direction.
Ismael Bennacer – 6.5
Though Bennacer was not in the elite form that he has been of late, he had a quietly good match, distributing the ball well from his reserved defensive midfield role.
Franck Kessié – 7.5
Despite previous failed attempts to play Kessié as the advanced midfielder, the Ivorian looked pretty good against Genoa. When receiving the ball, he found oncoming attackers in space, and he retained possession well against the experienced Milan Badelj. Though he does not have the creative ability of Brahim Diaz, Kessié’s performance was, on the whole, positive.
Rafael Leao – 8
Leao made a great run to score the opening goal, but he was otherwise ineffective against Genoa in the first half. Like Torino last weekend, the Grifone double-marked the winger, trying to restrict the space behind the primary defender. In the second half, Leao greatly improved and was able to create several opportunities.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 4
After a solid performance against Torino, the winger reverted to his poor form. He had one of the best chances of the match, skying a perfect opportunity from ten yards out in the first half. The Belgian desperately needs to improve his finishing, as he has scored just 6% of his shots for Milan.
Olivier Giroud – 4
Another poor performance from the French striker, who managed just one shot (not on target), 17 touches and a 40% passing percentage.
Substitutes
Junior Messias – 7.5
The Brazilian replaced the struggling Saelemaekers and scored the game-clinching goal. His fresh legs gave Milan a much needed burst of energy on the right wing.
Ante Rebic – 6
Rebic’s passing left a lot to be desired, but he was solid in relief of Giroud.
Brahim Diaz – N/A
Fodé Ballo-Touré – N/A
Rade Krunic – N/A
Only two points separate AC Milan and Inter at the top of Serie A ?? pic.twitter.com/DwtEsWsdId
— GOAL (@goal) April 15, 2022
Genoa
Salvatore Sirigu – 6.5
The Italian international did not have much of a chance on either of Milan’s goals, and he stayed strong as the Rossoneri offense found its rhythm in the second half.
Leo Skiri Ostigard – 7
With Mattia Bani helping to defend Leao, Ostigard was left as the primary defender against Giroud. Though he made a critical turnover in the second half, he had an overall good day.
Mattia Bani – 8
Even though Milan scored a quick opening goal, Genoa’s backline was organized and in control for much of the match, largely thanks to Bani. The center-back won quality, calculated challenges and cut out Leao’s creativity on the wing.
Johan Vasquez – 5.5
Vasquez had a decent start to the match against Kalulu, but he picked up an early knock and struggled with the left-back afterwards.
Silvan Hefti – 7
Hefti played an important role for Genoa on both offense and defense. He frequently drove the ball up the wing and looked to whip in crosses, while also defending against Leao.
Milan Badelj – 5.5
Playing his typical defensive midfield position, Badelj remained reserved just above the backline. While he intercepted a couple of key passes, he allowed Kessié too much space at times, which almost cost his side dearly.
Morten Frendrup – 7
Even though he was not playing as a defender, the 21-year-old was active and aggressive, winning eight tackles in the match.
Pablo Galdames – 6
Galdames had perhaps the best chance of the match for Genoa, but he sent his shot just high and wide.
Nadiem Amiri – 7.5
Along with Hefti, Amiri was one of the few players to create any sort of chance for Genoa. He played a versatile role, floating from side to side while looking for space to exploit. He showed off his high work rate in the second half, winning an essential tackle outside of the box.
Caleb Ekuban – 5
Early on, Ekuban created a decent chance in the attacking third, but he made practically no other impact on the match. The striker was quickly taken off in the second half.
Roberto Piccoli – 4
Piccoli had a few nice moments when dropping into the midfield in support, but he was completely dominated by Tomori throughout the match.
Substitutes
Mattia Destro – 4
It was a bizarre substitute appearance for Genoa’s leading goalscorer. Immediately after coming on, he attempted a pathetic 40-yard shot and spent the rest of the match screaming at the referee.