Genoa vs Milan: The story of a thrilling comeback
Soccer Football - Serie A - Genoa v AC Milan - Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, Genoa, Italy - October 7, 2023 AC Milan's Christian Pulisic scores their first goal REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
May 5, 2025 | Stadio Luigi Ferrari, Genoa
The match between Genoa and AC Milan on the 35th matchday of the Italian Serie A provided exciting moments for football fans. In this match held at the Stadio Luigi Ferrari, Genoa’s home ground, Milan made a spectacular comeback from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1.
Start of the match: Genoa’s dominance
Genoa adopted an aggressive strategy from the start of the match. The Genoa team, led by coach Patrick Vieira, controlled the ball and put Milan’s defense under pressure. In the first half, Genoa dominated possession, but struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Milan made the first dangerous attack in the 41st minute of the match. Milan’s players drove the ball towards the Genoa goalposts, but Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Liali made a brilliant save to thwart Milan’s attempt. This moment excited the Genoa fans, and added to the excitement in the stadium.
Second half: Genoa’s lead
Genoa maintained its aggressive style in the second half. In the 61st minute of the match, Genoa converted a long-standing pressure into a goal. Substitute Vitinha took advantage of the team’s excellent teamwork and put the ball into the net with his right foot, which was passed over by Milan goalkeeper Mike Mignan. The goal sent a wave of excitement through the Genoa fans present at the Stadio Luigi Ferrari.
With Genoa leading 1-0, the momentum of the game seemed to be in Genoa’s favor. Milan coach Sergio Conceicao decided to change the team’s strategy, making a change in the players. This strategy later played a significant role in changing the outcome of the match.
Milan comeback: Liao and Frenderup own goals
Milan star player Rafael Liao changed the game in the 76th minute. Santiago Jiménez crossed the ball from the right flank, and Liao took advantage of a deflection by Genoa defender Norton-Coffee to score. The goal brought Milan to a 1-1 draw.
Liao’s goal gave Milan players and fans a new lease of life. Two minutes after this goal, Milan scored another goal in the 78th minute. This goal was an own goal by Genoa captain Morten Frenderup. Milan’s offensive move turned the ball into a missile, and Frenderup’s mistake sent the ball into the Genoa net. The goal gave Milan a 2-1 lead.
The final moments of the game: Genoa’s attempt failed
In the final minutes of the game, Genoa made an aggressive attempt to equalize. Genoa won two consecutive corners in injury time, but Milan’s defense remained steadfast. Milan players Joao Felix, Pavlović, and Musa thwarted Genoa’s attacks.
Milan won 2-1 at the end of the match. The win reduced Milan’s gap to six points behind the top four in Serie A, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
Player Performance and Analysis
Rafael Liao (Milan): Liao played a decisive role in this match. His goal and attacking style inspired Milan to make a comeback. However, he also received a yellow card in the match, which will see him suspended for the next match.
Vitinha (Genoa): Substitute Vitinha scored the only goal for Genoa. His goal gave Genoa the lead, but the team could not maintain this lead.
Nicola Liali (Genoa): Genoa goalkeeper Liali made a great save in the first half. His performance kept Genoa in the game for a long time.
Milan’s strategy: Coach Sergio Conceicao insisted on a 3-4-3 formation in the second half, which intensified Milan’s attacks. This strategy put pressure on Genoa’s defense.
Match impact
The win kept Milan in ninth place in the Serie A table, and their chances of qualifying for Europe alive. Genoa, meanwhile, remained in 13th place, and their recent poor form (only one win in their last five games) has increased the pressure on coach Vieira.
Fan reactions
Comments posted on X have discussed the excitement of the match. One post called Milan’s comeback “unbelievable”, while Genoa fans expressed disappointment with the team’s poor second-half performance.
Conclusion
The Genoa vs Milan match was one of the most memorable moments of this season in Serie A. Milan’s comeback, Liao’s goal, and Frenderup’s own goal made this match special for football fans. Milan will now face Bologna in their next match, while Genoa will try to improve their form.
