Half-Time Report: AC Milan being held by Genoa

The first half of the Serie A encounter between AC Milan and Genoa at the San Siro has finished 1-1.

The hosts made the breakthrough as early as the fourth minute when Nigel de Jong delivered the ball to Kaka over the top and the Brazilian playmaker made no mistake from close range.

© Getty Images

However, Genoa restored parity just four minutes later from the penalty spot. Urby Emanuelson brought down Sime Vrsaljko inside the area and Alberto Gilardino successfully converted from 12 yards.

Mario Balotelli and Alessandro Matri both had good chances to put Milan back in front as the first half wore on, before Genoa conceded the second spot kick of the match 10 minutes from the interval.

Thomas Manfredini brought down Balotelli inside the visitors' 18-yard box and was sent off, but the Italian striker saw his subsequent penalty saved by Mattia Perin.

Matri could have saved his teammate's blushes minutes later when he connected to an Emanuelson corner, but failed to keep his headed effort on target.