Coach Pioli played in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rafael Leao playing the highest striker, replacing Ibrahimovic due to suspension. Supporting the Portuguese young striker behind is Alexis Saelemaekers, Hakan Calhanoglu and Ante Rebic.
With home advantage and a better quality squad than the opponent ranked 13th in the rankings, it is not surprising that Milan dominated the game from the first minute. They suffocated Genoa and opened the scoring in the 13th minute. From Pierre Kalulu's pass, Ante Rebic's shot was very strong from outside the penalty area, the ball went dangerously, causing goalkeeper Mattia Perin to be helpless.
With an early advantage, coach Pioli's students continued to maintain an overwhelming attacking position. Meanwhile, Genoa are still persistent in playing tight defense and waiting for a quick counter-attack opportunity. In fact, the home team still created many dangerous opportunities but Leao, Kessie and Rebic all missed them.
Assaulting a lot without scoring more goals, AC Milan had to pay the price with a goal in the 37th minute. Starting from Miha Zajc's corner kick, Mattia Destro, left unassisted, comfortably headed the ball into the back of the net and headed the ball into the net of Donnarumma. In this situation, Milan's defense clearly did not play well as no one wanted to follow the opposing player closely.
With a valuable equalizer, Geona had more reason to defend more completely in the second half. They left Milan at a dead end and to change the situation, coach Pioli of the home team had to put both Brahim Diaz and Mario Mandzukic on the field to replace Alexis Saelemaekers and Rafael Leao in the 63rd minute.
Coach Pioli's adjustment has been effective. Just a few minutes after the substitution, AC Milan took a 2-1 lead. From a chaotic situation in front of Genoa's goal, striker Gianluca Scamacca confusedly kicked the ball into his own net when he retreated to support the defense.
In the remaining time of the match, AC Milan played leisurely to preserve the score. Genoa with poorer strength, despite their efforts, could not turn the situation around. With this result, AC Milan temporarily shortened the gap with Inter Milan to 8 points.
