On Saturday night AC Milan’s quest to wrestle back the Serie A title continues as they travel to Genoa for a 7.45pm kick-off. Currently level on points with their city rivals, this game is another vital test of their credentials. 

Milan to win @ 19/20

Stefano Pioli’s Milan have been seriously impressive this season, and there is no reason why their positive start can’t continue here. A 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund in midweek followed up the same scoreline against Newcastle United in the Champions League, and served as a barometer of where they are at.

They’re certainly competitive in Europe, and one of the strongest outfits in Italy. Level on points with Inter, Pioli’s side are well placed to win back the title they lost to Napoli last year. A trip to Genoa should see Milan get back to winning ways. 

Since being hammered 5-1 by Inter (their only defeat of the season), they’ve won three in a row and only conceded one goal. Comfortable wins against Lazio, Cagliari and Verona put the Rossoneri back on track and their winning run should continue against a Genoa side currently in 14th. 

You simply don’t know what you are going to get with Genoa at the minute. A 4-1 win over Roma one week, and 1-0 losses to Lecce and Torino another. This inconsistency is costing them and against Milan, they may struggle. 

Milan to win to nil @ 21/10

Despite boasting the likes of Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Rafa Leao and Luka Jovic, it is Milan’s defence that has stolen the show this season. They’ve conceded just seven goals in seven league games, but back-to-back clean sheets in the Champions League are arguably even more impressive. Remember, five of the seven league goals they conceded were in that derby day demolition. 

With Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer, Milan have a rock-solid defence that is consistent and strong. Pioli has crafted a solid base to build upon, and while the attack isn’t flying quite yet, they have enough to win this game, and keep a clean sheet in the process.