AC Milan vs Genoa LIVE Serie A updates - Rossoneri ahead in crucial game as title race heats up

Gabbia is demanding a free-kick after losing possession, the referee allows play to continue as Genoa forge an attack on the counter. It's in vain, though, as they run into trouble.

Theo Hernandez fit and ready to continue.

Now Theo Hernandez needs treatment following a hefty challenge. Milan can ill afford to lose him.

Here we go, a clip of a lovely opener.

Leao is back on the pitch and is continuing for now. Good news for Milan.

Milan's goalscorer is caught on the ankle and is hurt. He's helped to his feet by the medic and limps off to receive treatment.

Nerves were jangling at San Siro but that will ease the tension somewhat!

The early goal Milan had been craving! The drought is over!

Kalulu whips a beautiful cross to the back post, picking out the run of Leao and it's quite simply a brilliant finish as he places a first-time side-footed effort into the corner of the net!

Calabria pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced by Gabbia at the heart of Milan's defence, you should know, moving Kalulu to right-back.

Milan pour forward with intent once more, Hernandez driving centrally and with team mates in support. His through ball is searching for Giroud but the pass is slightly overcooked and the goalkeeper Sirigu can gather.

After a recent spell of seven (!) straight draws, Genoa remain in the bottom three and will be desperate for the points as well.

Beginning on the front foot immediately, Milan attack down the left flank. Leao's reverse pass sets Hernandez free, he cuts it back into a packed penalty area but Genoa deal with it.

Milan get us underway!

It's all over, Inter have beaten Spezia 3-1 and now we can turn our full attention to action here at San Siro where kick-off is NEXT!

A reminder of tonight's teams!

Milan: Maignan, Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Tonali, Bennacer, Saelemaekers, Kessie, Leao, Giroud

Genoa: Sirigu, Hefti, Ostigard, Bani, Vasquez, Galdames, Badelj, Ekuban, Amiri, Frendrup, Piccoli

Not Serie A-related, of course, but this is a must-read for fans of European football.

Milan drew a blank against Torino. Fancy catching the highlights? Perhaps not...

Lautaro Martinez makes it 2-0 to Inter, and that should be that.

Ronaldo to leave Manchester United? Nunez to replace him? It's all in today's Paper Round!

Milan have won the two previous games in which they have faced Genoa this season, but we're talking about the here and now and confidence is not high with the Rossoneri following consecutive goalless draws.

On the flip side, Milan haven't conceded a single goal in their last five league games; Pioli could, therefore, become only the third head coach in Rossoneri history to register at least six consecutive clean sheets in Serie A after Fabio Capello and Nereo Rocco!

"We’ve worked with great motivation and conviction: we know we have to give more," said the Milan boss.

"Genoa defend well and play a simple yet effective game. I think the result will mostly depend on the speed and tempo with which we produce certain pieces of play.

"We possess the qualities to win tomorrow. It isn’t the time to draw conclusions: we’ll take stock at the end."