Genoa vs. AC Milan: Live Score, Highlights, Recap
By on March 8, 2013
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Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Serie A: Genoa 0-2 AC Milan
08 March 2013
Comunale Luigi Ferraris
Referee: Antonio Damato
Scoring
22' Pazzini
60' Balotelli
Genoa XI: Frey; Granqvist, Portanova, Moretti; Cassani, Bovo, Tozser, Vargas, Antonelli; Bertolacci; Borriello
Milan XI: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Flamini, Montolivo, Muntari; Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy
Recap
Ten-man AC Milan held on to defeat Genoa 2-0 on Friday and will now turn their attention to the Champions League and Tuesday’s Round of 16 second leg away to Barcelona.
The Rossoneri started the match well and were ahead after 22 minutes when, following some good work down the right by Mattia De Sciglio and M’Baye Niang, the ball fell to Giampaolo Pazzini, who converted his effort with aplomb from 16 yards.
But it was the striker’s final act of the night, and he was subsequently removed due to a leg injury suffered moments before the goal. Mario Balotelli replaced him and wound up getting Milan’s second on the hour mark.
It was a pure finisher’s goal. Christian Zapata did superbly well to play the ball in behind the Genoa defense to the Italy international, who required only a single touch to beat Sebastian Frey, who was otherwise excellent on the night.
Things boiled over in the 64th minute when Cesare Bovo kicked Milan left-back Kevin Constant in the back of the leg, prompting a furious reaction from the Guinea international that culminated in his ejection.
But Milan were rarely troubled despite the numerical disadvantage and mostly kept Genoa to the outskirts over the final 26 minutes.
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
FULL TIME: 10-man Milan hold on comfortably to a 2-0 lead on Genoa and are now just two points back of second-place Napoli in Serie A. They'll be very pleased with this result. Recap coming up shortly.
90+2' Abbiati is such a presence of composure for Milan. I'm not sure he gets the credit he deserves. One again he claws away a Genoa chance.
88' YELLOW CARD to Anontelli for a hack on Balotelli. I've been disappointed with Antonelli tonight. Had expected a bit more from the wing-back.
You know, while Milan haven't been spectacular they've done exactly what was needed here tonight. They were mentally strong and even when reduced to 10 men never really looked uncomfortable. The only thing I'd be worried about is Pazzini, who had to go off early in the first half, and perhaps Mexes, who didn't come out for the second half.
I am not confident about Barcelona match after seeing this lackluster display. Their head is already in Spain
— Matteo Bonetti (@TheMilanGuy) March 8, 2013
They obviously won't get a result in Barcelona playing like this, but I don't for a moment think that they'll play like this in Barcelona.
On Italian football duty and also have the World Baseball Classic on mute. Italy are thumping Canada 6-2. This displeases me. (I'm Canadian.)
80' Genoa spreading the ball all around the perimeter, now. But credit to Milan -- they're forcing everything to the outside. The hosts are struggling to create any chances of quality.
77' Genoa substitution: Jankovic replaces Grandqvist. Moments earlier Abbiati did exceptionally well to deny Jorquera's low, hard drive.
Constant was one of Milan's best players for me before he was sent off.
Constant went somewhat mental there. He kept telling Bovo that he'd wait for him afterwards in the tunnel. Not good.
— Susy Campanale (@SusyCampanale) March 8, 2013
And that's exactly where he is. He's still standing in the tunnel!
Absolutely pathetic refereeing throughout the match. Absolutely pathetic
— Matteo Bonetti (@TheMilanGuy) March 8, 2013
And the final 20 minutes are unlikely to be more subdued than the first 70.
69' And Genoa substitute Bovo off in favour of Jorquera. Saving him from himself.
68' With Constant off Abate is coming on, replacing El Shaarawy.
Bovo kicked Constant in the back of the leg, sparking a furious reaction from the Milan left-back, who was ejected in the ensuing scuffle.
64' Kevin Constant SENT OFF! A massive scuffle along the touchline also results in a booking for Bovo, but they're having some difficulty getting Constant back down the tunnel. The referee has lost control of this.
It was Zapata with the lovely ball in behind the Genoa defense to find Balotelli, by the way.
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
And it's Mario Balotelli! He was quiet until now, but he needed just a single touch after running onto the ball at the edge of the six-yard box and beating Frey with a confident, striker's finish.
GOAL MILAN!!!
60' WHAT a save by Frey! Flamini had weaved his way past three defenders and got off a powerful, low shot, but the Genoa 'keeper tipped it just wide.
59' Genoa substitution: Immobile replaces Cassani for the hosts.
58' Genoa pressing, and Yepes with a terrific piece of defending -- allowing Bertolacci a shot but blocking it.
56' Flamini booked for diving! He had run into the box and hit the ground after jumping over Frey's hands when the goalkeeper rushed out in desperation. An obvious dive, and a warranted booking.
54' Balotelli blazes one over the bar. He did well enough to get himself in good space for a shot, but he had Niang to his right and should probably have laid the ball off for his teammate.
Have a feeling we'll be seeing Robinho pretty soon. For El Shaarawy, I'd venture.
50' Bovo hits the post with a free-kick! Milan need to take this to another level if they don't want to lose their chance at three points.
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