Milan 0-0 Genoa: Hosts held on 125th anniversary celebrations

Milan's 125th anniversary celebrations were marred by a frustrating goalless draw against Genoa on Sunday, denting their Serie A title hopes.

Paulo Fonseca's side stay in eighth place, but are now 14 points adrift of leaders Atalanta, with Hellas Verona up next for the Rossoneri on Friday.

Milan started on the front foot and almost took the lead early on when Tijjani Reijnders capitalised on a loose pass before feeding Tammy Abraham, but he fired wide.

Reijnders was involved again moments later, sending an effort that skimmed the crossbar after taking the slightest of touches off Fabio Miretti on its way towards goal.

After the break, Samuel Chukwueze sent a delivery into the area and onto the head of Emerson Royal, but the Milan defender was denied brilliantly by Nicola Leali.

The best chance came 10 minutes from time when substitute Alvaro Morata rifled an effort from close range against the crossbar, with Milan unable to find a way through in the closing stages.

Full time.#MilanGenoa #SempreMilan Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/fwSetmEics

— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 15, 2024

Data Debrief: Party poopers

Fonseca urged his players ahead of kick-off to live up to Milan's rich history, but his side ultimately came up short at the San Siro against a stern Genoa rearguard.

Milan will be frustrated, having dominated the contest throughout. They ended the encounter with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.21 from their 22 efforts, though only four were on target, while also restricting Genoa to a measly 0.23 xG.

But there were positives for the Rossoneri to take moving forward. They collected a sixth home clean sheet of the season from their eight Serie A games at the San Siro for the first time since 2002-03.

However, they have now failed to score in three of their last four Serie A home games, as many times as in their previous 45 games in the competition.