Justin Bijlow conceded a penalty that set AC Milan on their way to a 2-1 Serie A win over Genoa, maintaining an unbeaten H2H record that has stood since March 2020 (W7, D4), and keeping the Rossoneri\u2019s UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification hopes in their own hands.
Just one win in six (W1, D1) has not only seen the Rossoneri’s title challenge crumble, but has also left them in real danger of missing out on a UCL spot.
In fact, ahead of kick-off, an under-pressure Allegri had seen his side's eight-point lead over AS Roma evaporate in the space of three games, leaving Milan inside the top four on H2H record alone.
That instability appeared to translate onto the pitch in an unconvincing start in which Genoa threatened first through Vitinha, who bent an effort at the back post just wide of the top corner.
As the half wore on, Milan played themselves into the contest, with Alessandro Marcandalli making a vital challenge to deny Santiago Giménez a close-range shot at goal, shortly before his back-post interception prevented Christopher Nkunku from tapping home.
But with half time approaching, news filtered in of a Roma goal, which dropped Milan out of the UCL positions heading into the break.
After a first period devoid of clear-cut chances, Genoa were facing the prospect of a fourth successive league blank for the first time since February 2022.
But with safety assured and no European prospects, the spotlight was firmly on Milan, who wasted little time after the restart.
A mistake from Alex Amorim forced Justin Bijlow off his line, where he brought down Nkunku as he rounded the goalkeeper, allowing the Frenchman to break the deadlock with his second penalty goal in as many matches.
Given Genoa’s position in the table, a low-key second half was perhaps unsurprising, with no great sense of urgency to find a leveller.
Chances were largely at a premium, and after Vitinha scuffed a presentable opportunity over the bar, Milan doubled their lead through a drilled Zachary Athekame effort nine minutes from time.
Jeff Ekhator had the chance to immediately halve the deficit when a loose pass put him through one-on-one, but Mike Maignan was alert to thwart him.
Captain Johan Vásquez scrambled in his first goal of the season from close range moments later, setting up an intriguing finale, but there was ultimately no comeback as Genoa fell short.
An eighth league defeat against current top-10 opposition this season has little effect on Genoa, keeping them 14th with midtable obscurity already assured.
As for Milan, three crucial points see them climb to third, yet just two points separate themselves and sixth-placed Juventus heading into the final game of the season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Johan Vásquez (Genoa)
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Edooo87
1
Congratulations 🎆🎆 for grandi Milan
Edooo87
1
Good job