AC Milan's ambitions to challenge city rivals Inter Milan for the Serie A title suffered a significant setback on Thursday night. The Rossoneri were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw at the San Siro by a determined Genoa side fighting to avoid relegation.
Late Drama at San Siro
The match was packed with tension and pivotal moments, especially in the dying minutes. Milan, desperate for a win to close the gap on league leaders Inter, scored a stoppage-time equaliser through Rafael Leão's header from a corner. However, the drama was far from over.
Almost immediately, Genoa was awarded a penalty after Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi fouled Mikael Ellertsson inside the area. With virtually the last kick of the match, Nicolae "Nicușor" Claudiu Stanciu stepped up but blazed his spot-kick over the bar, sparing Milan from a shocking defeat.
Missed Opportunities and Controversy
Milan started strongly and almost took an early lead when Matteo Gabbia headed Christian Pulisic's cross onto the crossbar. Against the run of play, it was Genoa that struck first in the 28th minute. Ruslan Malinovskyi delivered a superb cross for Lorenzo Colombo to side-foot home from close range.
In a poignant moment, the 23-year-old Colombo, who is on loan from AC Milan, refused to celebrate his goal against his parent club, holding up his hands in a gesture of apology.
Milan thought they had levelled in the 59th minute through Christian Pulisic, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. The video assistant referee adjudged the ball to have come off the American winger's arm, not his head, ruling out the strike.
League Standings and Relegation Battle
The result leaves second-placed AC Milan three points below Inter Milan, who won their match against Parma 2-0 on Wednesday. Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, overseeing his 200th match in charge across two stints, saw his team fail to capitalise and keep the pressure on their rivals.
For Genoa, the point extends their winless run to five matches, but it could prove crucial. They now sit three points above the Serie A relegation zone.
In another Serie A fixture on Thursday, Cagliari staged a remarkable comeback to draw 2-2 with Cremonese. Teenage substitute Yael Trepy, who had been on the pitch for only four minutes, scored a stunning long-range equaliser in the 88th minute. Cagliari now sits six points above the drop zone, one point behind Cremonese.
