Player Ratings: Genoa 1-2 Milan – Leao Lethal Off The Bench

Milan came from behind to beat Genoa 2-1 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the final game of Serie A Gameweek 35. Sergio Conceicao’s side pulled off another comeback to move within a six-point distance of sixth-placed Lazio.

Genoa had Milan on the ropes in the opening half an hour but couldn’t capitalize on two glorious opportunities to break the deadlock. Mike Maignan made two incredible saves to thwart Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Junior Messias.

Missed chances almost backfired on Patrick Vieira’s side toward the end of the half. However, Christian Pulisic failed to beat Nicola Leali from only a few meters out. The Italian stopper denied his feeble attempt with a comfortable save.

The Griffins struck the first blow in the second half as Vitinha pounced on Aaron Martin’s inch-perfect cross. The Portuguese forward left Maignan chanceless to give Genoa a well-deserved lead. Little did anyone at Ferraris know what would happen next.

Milan only needed two minutes to turn the game on its head. Rafael Leao’s scrappy finish took a fortunate deflection and finished behind Leali’s back. Less than 60 seconds later, Morten Frendrup turned the ball into his own net in an attempt to avert the danger.

It was Milan’s fourth consecutive away win for the first time since March last year. Yet, their hopes of securing European qualification via a Serie A finish look dead in the water. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Had it not been for his heroics between the sticks, Milan would’ve probably lost this game already in the first half. Outstanding dive to deny Messias off the line!

Despite picking up another booking for a typically over-zealous challenge, the towering defender put in another shift to help Milan deal with Genoa’s attacking threat.

Though his tactical and spatial awareness usually stands out, the Italian ace lost track of Vitinha for the goal. Otherwise, he had a fairly decent night.

It was another unconvincing showing from the Englishman, who looks bereft of confidence. His calmness in possession was the only shining light.

Alejandro Jimenez – 6.5

The Spaniard enjoyed a strong entry, pushing down the right flank with his trademark overlapping runs, but faded away as the game progressed.

Forced off with an early injury, the Frenchman looked good before being taken off just before the half-hour mark.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek-6.5

Back to the starting line-up for the first time in a while, the robust midfielder had a decent game, especially in the first half, demonstrating excellent technique and pinpoint passing.

It wasn’t Theo’s night. The star left-back fared reasonably well in defense, but Milan desperately lacked his hallmark activity in the final third.

Tijjani Reijnders – 5.5

Milan fans must have expected more from the club’s standout performer, yet the Dutchman didn’t answer the call tonight.

Christian Pulisic – 6.5

A player of his caliber should’ve finished that chance with more composure. However, it took nothing away from his relentless work rate and constant willingness to drive at the defense.

A lack of match fitness may have taken its toll as the Serbian striker barely had any impact on the game before being replaced by Santiago Gimenez.