Italian Serie A, Week 7: AC Milan Rescued By Kevin-Prince Boateng Hat Trick

Instead, they would grab three. It felt like something spectacular might be on the cards in the 49th minute, when Kevin-Prince Boateng scored his first goal. Following a corner kick, the ball fell to Boateng on the left side of the box, where he hit an absolutely fantastic half-volley into the roof of the net to make it 3-1.

The Prince’s second was even better, another half-volley into the roof of the net. This one came from open play just six minutes later and took a little more skill. The Milan fans who traveled for the game went absolutely crazy in the stands, seemingly sensing what was going to come next. The equalizer came on a low, close-range shot in the 63rd minute. Lecce keeper Massimiliano Benassi almost kept the ball out of the net, but it rolled just barely over the line.

Genoa currently sit in the bottom half of Serie A, but they have enough talent to be up near Europa League places at the end of the season. Rodrigo Palacio is doing his part with five goals, but he’ll need those around him to step up. Defender Kakha Kaladze will be out suspended for this game, but based on his play so far this season, that’s hardly going to be a loss.

Game Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 2:45 pm ET (8:45 pm local)

On the surface, none of the matches in Week 7 of Serie A look particularly compelling. But then again, I’m sure no one thought that the only two goals scored in the 15:00 time slot last week would both come from Bologna, so perhaps we should keep an open mind about this.

There are a few questions, however, that I’d like answered -- or if not answered, at least illuminated.