Milan's possession trap ensnares Genoa, says Corriere dello Sport

Milan beat Genoa by controlling possession and pressing Genoa's defenders as they tried to play out from the back, Corriere dello Sport reported in its analysis of the match. The outlet said Milan's prolonged first-half possession, which it put at 63%, became a "spider's web" in which Genoa became entangled.

The report said the presence of Modric and Rabiot side by side in midfield let Milan dictate a slow tempo and denied Genoa the chance to counter behind the defence, as Osmajic had done early on. It added that Milan's sudden, aggressive pressure on Genoa's defenders just outside the box proved decisive, citing goals from Cisse and Pulisic that followed balls lost by Vasquez and Mercandalli.

According to the outlet, Genoa coach DDR later acknowledged his side had lost its way. Corriere dello Sport also said Amorim had to improvise his defence, using Diawara as a central defender and Musah at left-back after Pavlovic was lost to injury, and it questioned the decision not to use Bartesaghi.

The report said Milan's ownership has promised to act in the January transfer market to address squad gaps, and that until then Amorim must manage with the players available. It noted that Tomori, Pavlovic, Loftus Cheek and possibly Gabbia could return after the break, while Saelemakers and Chekwueze are not expected back until February or March.