Milan move up to fourth after 2-1 win over Genoa

Milan strengthened their pursuit of the leading places in Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, thanks to two goals inside the opening six minutes.

Alfadjo Cisse and Christian Pulisic struck in the first half to put the visitors in control, before Mikael Egill Ellertsson pulled one back late on for Genoa. The hosts pressed for an equaliser during the closing stages but Milan held on to claim three points.

Milan opened the scoring in the 13th minute after Vazquez lost possession. Adrien Rabiot collected the loose ball and supplied Cisse, who finished with his right foot to give the visitors the lead.

The away side doubled their advantage six minutes later. This time, Genoa midfielder Marcandalli was dispossessed, allowing Ramos to find Pulisic. The United States international controlled the pass before placing his shot accurately inside the post.

Genoa were unable to respond before half-time, with Milan protecting their two-goal cushion as the match moved into its final stages.

The home team eventually reduced the deficit in the 88th minute. A free-kick taken by Stephan El Shaarawy struck Milan’s defensive wall and rebounded towards the edge of the penalty area, where Ellertsson met the ball with a left-footed shot into the left corner of Mike Maignan’s goal.

That goal gave Genoa hope of salvaging a point, but Milan resisted the late pressure and saw out the remaining minutes to secure victory.

The result takes Milan to 24 points from 11 matches and lifts them into fourth place in the Serie A table. They are now five points behind leaders Lazio, while Genoa remain on 13 points.