Genoa vs AC Milan – News and Probable Lineups

After a mixed week, AC Milan is heading into the international break with a challenging fixture against Genoa on Sunday afternoon.

As they prepare to face off at Stadio Ferraris, the home side has surprisingly earned more points in their last five Serie A matches compared to the erratic Rossoneri.

Match overview

Milan’s week has been a rollercoaster, from derby celebrations to a Europa League setback.

Not long after Ruben Amorim’s unbeaten domestic streak was halted by Bologna, his team entered the Derby della Madonnina as outsiders against the defending champions, Inter de Milão.

The Rossoneri managed to take a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic, while Diego Moreira’s free-kick capped off a stunning victory – marking their sixth win in eight encounters against Inter.

Now sitting five points behind their city rivals, Milan occupies fifth place in Serie A and could be in the running for the title, although that positive feeling didn’t last too long.

Following a defeat in three of their four Europa League matches, they fell 2-0 to Ferencvaros on Thursday night, which could threaten their progression in the tournament.

This was also a rare occasion where Milan failed to score, as the team has netted 21 goals in their first 10 league outings under Amorim – the best tally for a new coach since club icon Cesare Maldini in 1972.

Moreover, the Rossoneri remain unbeaten away from home in Italy – with two victories and three draws so far – and they have typically secured favorable results in Genoa.

Including a 2-1 triumph towards the end of the previous season, Milan has prevailed in their last four away encounters against the hosts.

In fact, Genoa have not registered a win in their last 10 league meetings, whether at home or away – a streak dating back to March 2020.

However, the Rossoblu may be eager to end this winless run, having recently concluded their eight-year wait for three consecutive victories in Serie A.

Since Daniele De Rossi survived the threat of the sack during the last international break, much has changed, with four wins from five lifting his side up the league table.

Rather than facing another relegation battle or management change, they have displayed a remarkable turnaround in form.

Now in 11th position, Genoa furthered their ascent with a 2-1 victory at Lecce last week, with former Milan player Junior Messias assisting the opener before scoring the second himself.

It has been 17 years since the Grifone achieved four consecutive wins in a single top-flight season, making such a streak possible once again.

Team News

Following a disappointing loss to Ferencvaros, it is anticipated that Amorim will implement several changes to the lineup.

For certain, Milan captain Mike Maignan will take over from Lorenzo Torriani in goal after serving a suspension during the Europa League match on Thursday.

After a stellar showing in the derby, Moreira was initially left out in midweek, but he could make a return to the starting XI; the Belgian winger has been involved in seven goals across his first six Serie A matches.

With Strahinja Pavlovic likely to come back after overcoming a fitness concern, Fikayo Tomori, Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are still expected to be unavailable.

Conversely, Genoa boss De Rossi might have a full squad at his disposal, as Elias Havel and Lorenzo Venturino have just resumed training after long absences.

Milutin Osmajic is currently the leading scorer for the hosts with four league goals, while ex-Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy appears to be regaining his form.

The former Italy international, who made 83 appearances and netted 21 times for the Rossoneri in Serie A, has registered an assist in both of his last two outings.

Genoa probable starting XI:

Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ehizibue, Frendrup, Traore, Ellertsson; Messiah, El Shaarawy; Osmajic

AC Milan probable starting XI:

Cousins; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic, Diawara; Musah, Modric; Moreira, Rabiot, Pulisic; Ramos

With two cup victories at Stadio Ferraris included, Genoa has won three of their first six home matches in Serie A, setting the stage for a tough test against Milan.

While Amorim’s side is conceding too many goals, De Rossi’s team has found their scoring touch, potentially leading to an exciting and high-scoring draw.