It was a tense afternoon at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where every tackle felt heavy and every goal carried the weight of the season. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, AC Milan secured a gritty 2-1 victory over Genoa CFC in Matchday 37 of the Serie A 2025/2026. It wasn’t pretty football for ninety minutes, but it was effective—and that’s what matters when you’re fighting for position late in the campaign.
The stakes were high. AC Milan described the fixture as "balanced, delicate, potentially decisive" on their official channels. With this being their final away game of the season, manager Massimiliano Allegri had little room for error. Across the pitch, Genoa boss Daniele De Rossi set up his team to grind out a result at home, knowing a win could shift the league standings significantly.
A Tactical Chess Match
Before kick-off, the formations told a story of contrasting philosophies. Genoa lined up in a structured 4-3-1-2, looking to control the midfield through players like Ruslan Malinovskyi and Tommaso Baldanzi. Their defense, anchored by captain Johan Vásquez, was prepared to absorb pressure.
Milan, meanwhile, opted for a 3-5-2 system, relying on wing-backs Z. Athekame and Albian Jashari to provide width. The Rossoneri started with Mike Maignan in goal—a rare sight for him as captain—but he was there to organize the back three of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlović. Up front, the hopes rested heavily on Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez, two attackers tasked with breaking down a stubborn Genoese defense.
Here’s the thing: tactics are just paper until the ball moves. And once the whistle blew at 12:30 CEST, the match became a physical battle. Neither side wanted to lose. By halftime, the score was deadlocked at 0-0, with both teams committing fouls and accumulating yellow cards—Justin Bijlow for Genoa and Matteo Gabbia for Milan both booked early in the second half.
Nkunku Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute, and it came from the spot. After a controversial decision by the referee, Christopher Nkunku stepped up for AC Milan. He didn’t miss. Coolly placed into the corner, the penalty gave Milan a 1-0 lead and shifted momentum slightly toward the visitors.
But Genoa didn’t fold. They pushed forward, making changes to find an equalizer. In the 64th minute, De Rossi brought on J. Ekhator for Tommaso Baldanzi, injecting fresh energy into the attack. Then, in the 68th minute, Allegri made double substitutions, replacing Youssouf Fofana and Santiago Giménez with Samuele Ricci and Niclas Füllkrug. It was a gamble—taking off a striker so early—but it paid off.
Pulisic’s Impact Decides It
The twist arrived in the 76th minute. Christian Pulisic entered the fray, replacing a tired-looking player on the wing. Just five minutes later, in the 81st minute, Pulisic delivered a precise cross that found Z. Athekame unmarked. The young wing-back fired home, doubling Milan’s advantage to 2-0.
Genoa responded immediately. Captain Johan Vásquez pulled one back in the 86th minute, giving the home crowd hope. But it was too little, too late. Samuele Ricci picked up a yellow card in the same minute, adding to the tension as the clock ticked down. Final whistle: AC Milan 2, Genoa 1.
What This Means for the Title Race
This win keeps AC Milan firmly in contention for European spots. While they may not be chasing the Scudetto this year, consistency is key. Beating a tough opponent like Genoa away from home shows resilience. For Daniele De Rossi, it’s a frustrating end to the season, but his team fought hard and showed character despite the loss.
Looking ahead, Milan has only one more league match left—a home game whose details remain unspecified. If they can secure points there, they’ll finish strong. Meanwhile, Genoa will reflect on what went wrong in crucial moments, particularly defensively against counter-attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored for AC Milan in the 2-1 win over Genoa?
Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring with a penalty in the 50th minute. Z. Athekame added the second goal in the 81st minute, assisted by Christian Pulisic, who had come on as a substitute just five minutes earlier.
Why was this match considered 'potentially decisive'?
It was Matchday 37 of the Serie A 2025/2026 season, meaning very few games remained. A loss could have dented Milan's chances for higher European qualification spots, while a win boosted their standing. Both teams needed points to shape their final league positions.
Did Luka Modric play in the match?
No, Luka Modric did not start the game. He was listed among the substitutes for AC Milan and remained on the bench throughout the match. Manager Massimiliano Allegri chose other midfield options, including Samuele Ricci, who came on later.
What formation did Genoa use against AC Milan?
Genoa played in a 4-3-1-2 formation under coach Daniele De Rossi. This setup featured Justin Bijlow in goal, a four-man defense led by captain Johan Vásquez, and attacking threats from Vitinha (or V. Oliveira per some reports) and Lorenzo Colombo upfront.
How many yellow cards were shown in the match?
At least six yellow cards were issued during the match. Recipients included Justin Bijlow (Genoa), V. Oliveira (Genoa), Matteo Gabbia (Milan), Fikayo Tomori (Milan), and Samuele Ricci (Milan). The disciplinary record reflects the intense nature of the encounter.
