Week 28: Genoa – Milan

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Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

Following the tragic death – in his sleep – of Davide Astori in the early hours of March 4th the week 27 Sunday matches, including the Milan derby of course, were postponed. The Fiorentina captain and former Milan youth player was 31.

The derby will take place in an as of now undetermined date. For now Milan travel to Genoa having to focus on the Serie A after a week filled with grief and a midweek game that was very disappointing. Milan started the last 16 Europa League game vs Arsenal dominating the London team but the pressure and promise soon fizzled out with virtually all of the starting 11 having an off day. Bonaventura, Kessie and Biglia gave the ball away repeatedly. The latter was responsible for two early and notable poor passes one of which led to the Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal seconds later. Passes were not completed, there was no pressing and shots were off target. The front three were ineffective and the full backs left space and made mistakes. When Suso had anything of the ball either Sead Kolasinac was there or he shot way off. Donnarumma did what he could and was beaten via a deflection for the first goal and was left all alone with Aaron Ramsey dancing in for the second. The 0-2 home loss was Milan’s first loss in 13 games.

It is believed that Gattuso will make changes for the Genoa game, how many is not known. Sadly any change in the front three likely means Kalinic starting in place of Cutrone. Borini is another candidate for a starting place and at least he has shown willingness and goal scoring ability too. In the middle Montolivo and Locatelli are alternates for Kessie and Biglia. The central defenders were the least at fault vs Arsenal and considering the alternatives should retain their place in any case. Abate and Antonelli are not fully fit. Calabria and Rodriguez must put the Arsenal game behind them. The former had shown great form before the Arsenal match and needs to continue on that path. Calabria also took a knock during the Arsenal game but looks to be available.

Genoa feature many former Milan players in Adel Taarabt, Andrea Bertolacci (on loan from Milan) and Gianluca Lapadula (also on loan). Not all three are starters but may feature some time in the game. The reverse fixture last October ended in a 0-0 tie with Bonucci red carded in the first half for a foul on Aleandro Rosi.