AC Milan came from behind to beat Genoa 2-1 in Serie A on Sunday evening, with a second-half turnaround securing all three points at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Genoa had taken the lead against the run of play and defended stubbornly for long periods, but Milan’s quality in the final third eventually told. Christian Pulisic equalised shortly after half-time before Rafael Leão completed the comeback with a composed finish in the 78th minute.

Match overview

Milan controlled possession from the opening whistle, circulating the ball patiently and looking to isolate their wide forwards against Genoa’s full-backs. Genoa, meanwhile, sat in a compact mid-block and looked to spring forward on the counter-attack. That strategy worked early on, as the home side took a surprise lead when Andrea Pinamonti finished off a quick break down the left.

The goal changed the mood inside the stadium but not the pattern of the game. Milan continued to dominate the ball, forcing Genoa deeper and deeper. The equaliser arrived in the 54th minute when Pulisic arrived late in the box to convert a low cross from the right. Milan pushed for a winner and got it when Leão cut inside from the left and curled a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

Key moments

• 21st minute: Genoa take the lead through Andrea Pinamonti after a swift counter-attack.
• 54th minute: Christian Pulisic levels the score with a first-time finish inside the area.
• 78th minute: Rafael Leão scores the winner with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 90th minute: Genoa push for a late equaliser, but Milan’s defence holds firm under pressure.

Tactical story

Milan’s dominance came from their ability to switch play quickly and create one-on-one situations in wide areas. Genoa’s back line defended bravely, but the sheer volume of crosses and cut-backs eventually took its toll. The home side’s counter-attacking threat faded after half-time as Milan pushed their full-backs higher and pinned Genoa inside their own half.

Standout players

Pulisic was at the heart of Milan’s best attacking moves, drifting between the lines and arriving in the box at the right moment. Leão grew into the game after a quiet first half and produced the decisive moment of quality. For Genoa, goalkeeper Josep Martínez made several important saves to keep his side in the contest, while Pinamonti’s movement caused problems before Milan took control.

What the result means

The victory keeps Milan in the upper reaches of the Serie A standings and reinforces their ability to grind out results on the road. Genoa remain in a difficult position and will need to turn promising performances into points quickly. For Milan, the comeback underlined the depth and character within the squad, with different attacking players stepping up when the team needed them most.