MILAN: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Gattuso, Pirlo, Boateng; Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho.
GENOA: Eduardo; Chico, Dainelli, Ranocchia, Criscito; Rafinha, Kharja, Veloso; Palacio, Toni, Mesto.
AC Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Inter as they edged out Genoa with a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
The visitors initially had a much clearer game plan and were even denied by the woodwork in what proved to be a rather eventless opening period.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Milan ahead with a trademark goal shortly after the break as he shrugged off two defenders to stab a shot over Eduardo with an outstretched leg.
The hosts were much more comfortable from then on and missed a number of chances to put the game beyond doubt, although they still held out to celebrate a much needed win, which allows them to cut the gap at the top to two points ahead of Inter’s clash with Roma.
Milan’s first real scoring chance fell to Robinho on 18 minutes when he was served on the counter-attack by fellow countryman Ronaldinho. The former Manchester City forward struck a low drive towards the far post, but it did little to trouble Eduardo inside the Genoa goal.
Genoa looked threatening going forward and the home rearguard had much to think about as they looked to contain Luca Toni’s strength and Giandomenico Mesto’s movement.
Gennaro Gattuso made a great run off the ball on 26 minutes and forced a great save from Eduardo as he latched onto Ronaldinho’s neat pass to fire on target from close range. The move underlined Milan’s ability to threaten but also the distinct lack in runs from the forwards.
Rodrigo Palacio gave them a scare on the stroke of half-time as his cross towards the back post struck the woodwork following Abbiati’s soft punch.
The deadlock was finally broken on 49 minutes when Ibrahimovic knocked the ball over the ‘keeper with an outstretched leg. Despite being hounded by two defenders, the hitman showed great strength as he gave Milan the lead with a trademark goal.
The Rossoneri were far more creative in the second period and Ronaldinho almost doubled their lead as he attempted a floated chip from 18 yards on the hour mark.
With the clock ticking down, Genoa made good in-roads down the flanks but were far less threatening in front of goal as they failed to get threatening crosses into the box.
Robinho almost slotted home a second late on following a wonderful exchange with Clarence Seedorf down the left. Despite the goal-line clearance from Criscito, it was a fine move by the Samba star who finally showed what he can bring to the side when at full fitness.
With few ideas in the closing stages there was no way back for Genoa. Milan celebrated their second league win of the season to momentarily reduce Inter’s lead at the top to two points.
Although it may not have been a resounding victory for his side, coach Allegri will have been delighted to return to winning ways and given the form of Ibrahimovic there is much to fill the Rossoneri with confidence as they continue to search for a balance between attack and defence.
Milan vs genoa video highlight
bravo ibra !!
