AC MILAN were on the verge of sacking their struggling coach Marco Giampaolo — at half time! The hapless San Siro boss had won two and lost four Serie A games this season with Milan hovering just above the relegation zone before Saturday’s game. The Rossoneri were 1-0 down at Genoa and playing poorly, after […]
AC MILAN were on the verge of sacking their struggling coach Marco Giampaolo — at half time!
The hapless San Siro boss had won two and lost four Serie A games this season with Milan hovering just above the relegation zone before Saturday’s game.
The Rossoneri were 1-0 down at Genoa and playing poorly, after Lasse Schone had fired their Serie A rivals ahead with a free kick after a howler from keeper Pepe Reina.
According to Sempre Milan, Paolo Maldini left the pitchside to “make an important phone call to the club.”
They speculate the San Siro hierarchy were ready to relieve Giampaolo of his duties after the match, three months after he was appointed.
But the seven-time European champions DID manage to turn it around, in dramatic circumstances.
Genoa sub Riccardo Saponara was sent off, even though he was not even on the pitch, moments before half time.
The two sides were arguing over whether Milan should have kicked the ball out when they had an injury and he got involved from the bench.
After half time, Theo Hernandez got them back into the game, racing on to a quick free kick and scoring from a tight angle on the left.
Then defender Genoa’s Davide Biraschi was shown a red for deliberately handling the ball in the box, which led to a penalty that was scored by Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
Milan’s Davide Calabria was sent off for two yellow cards, putting the away side back under pressure.
But the more drama was to come in the closing seconds, as Reina blundered again, bringing down Cristian Kouame, when replays showed he clearly dived.
Reina finally made amends though, saving Schone’s spot kick to claim all three points.
And the former Liverpool stopper appears to have saved Giampaolo his job, for now.
