Genoa will regroup to climb closer to mid-table against an improving Milan squad that are in range of a UEFA Champions League spot.
Pursuit of Development
Genoa manager Gian Piero Gasperini is fully aware of his club hovering over the relegation zone so early in the league campaign, but will have to force I Rossoblu to perform better after a 2-0 loss against Lazio.
Genoa's Macedonian star Goran Pandev and Issa Cissokho being sent off could make gaining three points against a squad with a lot of potential very difficult to achieve. AC Milan are arguably as strong as Lazio in contention for the Scudetto this season, it will take a mammoth effort to gain three a win.
On the other hand, Milan have yet to draw in their five matches and their only two losses came against the clubs at the top of the table (Inter Milan and Fiorentina). They successfully defeated Udinese 3-2, who almost came back to gain a point, but the first half heroics of the Rossoneri proved enough.
Mario Balotelli bagged his first goal after returning on loan to the club from Liverpool. This may lead Sinisa Mihajlovic starting him again instead of Luiz Adriano and next to Colombian international, Carlos Bacca.
Team news and projected XI's
Italian star goalkeeper, Mattia Perin, as well as Tino Costa and Ezequiel Munoz are out due to injury. Goran Pandev and Issa Cissokho are suspended from the 2-0 defeat against Lazio. Armando Izzo will most likely make a return to the defensive line after serving suspension.
Possible Genoa Starting XI (3-4-3): Lamanna; De Maio, Burdisso, Izzo; Figueiras, Rincon, Dzemaili, Laxalt; Capel, Ntcham, Perotti.
M'Baye Niang, Jeremy Menez, Philippe Mexes, and Ignazio Abate are all out due to injury. Juraj Kucka is doubtful to play, while Andrea Bertolacci may return into the line-up against one of his former clubs, despite the success of the midfield against Udinese.
Possible AC Milan Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Lopez; Calabria, Zapata, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; de Jong, Montolivo, Bertolacci; Bonaventura; Balotelli, Bacca.
Players to watch
Tomas Rincon - The Venezuelan international and central midfielder will be busy against a physical opposition against Milan. His defensive contribution, along with his tackling ability, will be vital if Genoa are to gain control in the middle of the pitch.
Mario Balotelli - The Italian striker still remains to be a promising talent even when his ego and decisions get in the way of his skill on the pitch. One goal in 16 appearances for the Reds was a rough stint last season, but the goal last match could have him full of confidence.
Verdict
Genoa are presently suffering with an inefficient run of form where they have not been effective enough to contend. They are missing many of their key players that would have been able to make a difference against a stronger side. Milan will be the heavy favorites with the availability of individually superior players. This match may end with multiple goals in favor of Mihajlovic's men.