MILAN, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Stephan El Shaarawy celebrated his 20th birthday with a precious goal against his former club which earned AC Milan a 1-0 victory over Genoa at home in the Italian Serie A on Saturday.
Italy international El Shaarawy netted the sole goal of the encounter in the 77th minute to snap Milan's three-loss streak, and could have saved the job for under-fire head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
"I am moved, as it's the best birthday of my life," Shaarawy said. "I am excited and happy, both for the victory and the goal. I just try to give my all and put myself at the disposal of the coach."
Allegri was pleased that his side managed to win in a difficult atmosphere.
"It was a deserved victory and I think so far the criticism has been harsh considering what the lads did on the field," he said.
"We could've scored in the first half and there were several dubious penalty incidents. We also made a lot of mistakes in our passing, which also happened in Malaga," he said.
Genoa lost their second game in a row to fall behind Milan in the table with the managerial switch from Luigi De Canio to Luigi Del Neri having no immediate impact.
Del Neri was impressed by his new side despite the loss.
"We have motivated players and I start from the idea you cannot want everything straight away. We must start from the positives and try to improve," he said.
"The team defended well and had courage, so I like that attitude, but I'd prefer more logical passing options. It will require patience, but this side already gives me some good guarantees," he added.
Strugglers Siena and Palermo played out a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi with the result not helping either side out a great deal.
Palermo had the better chances, but were unable to beat a Siena side who, without a six-point penalty, would be ahead of the Rosaneri in the table.