Genoa emerged victorious over Sassuolo, claiming a 2-1 win in a tense encounter as part of Serie A’s matchday 32. After a thrilling match that highlighted the strengths on both sides, it was Genoa who held their nerve, much to the delight of their home supporters.
The scoring opened early when Ruslan Malinovskyi found the back of the net in the 17th minute, thanks to a brilliant setup by Tommaso Baldanzi. Malinovskyi showcased his talent by curling a stunning shot from the edge of the box into the left corner, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Sassuolo responded effectively shortly after the break, leveling the match at 1-1 in the 56th minute through an impressive play by Ismael Koné. However, Genoa proved to be more clinical, reclaiming the lead in the 83rd minute through Caleb Ekuban’s goal, sealing a vital victory for the home side.
Caleb Ekuban was undoubtedly the standout player for Genoa, registering a goal and making two attempts on target, while Malinovskyi also shone with an impressive performance, marking one goal and shooting three times.
Genoa’s head coach, Daniele De Rossi, set up his team in a 3-6-1 formation featuring Justin Bijlow in goal; Alessandro Marcandalli, Leo Östigard, and Johan Vásquez in defense; a midfield comprised of Mikael Ellertsson, Morten Frendrup, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Stefano Sabelli, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Vítor Oliveira; with Lorenzo Colombo leading the attack.
On the other hand, Sassuolo, under Fabio Grosso, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, placing Arijanet Muric between the posts; while the backline consisted of Sebastian Walukiewicz, Jay Idzes, Tarik Muharemovic, and Josh Doig; the midfield featured Kristian Thorstvedt, Nemanja Matic, and Ismael Koné; and their forward line was made up of Domenico Berardi, Andrea Pinamonti, and Armand Laurienté.
Antonio Rapuano officiated the match at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, ensuring a well-managed game despite the intensity.
In the aftermath of this encounter, Genoa will prepare to face Pisa in their next outing, while Sassuolo will return home to host Como 1907. After this match, Genoa sits in 11th place with 42 points, whereas Sassuolo finds itself at 13th with 36 points.
Substitutions for Genoa
54’ 2T – Tommaso Baldanzi was replaced by Aarón Martín, Ruslan Malinovskyi made way for Patrizio Masini, and Lorenzo Colombo came off for Caleb Ekuban.
74’ 2T – Vítor Oliveira was substituted by Junior Messias.
Yellow cards for Genoa:
5’ 1T Ruslan Malinovskyi (preventing an opponent from advancing) and 19’ 1T Morten Frendrup (unsporting behavior).
Red card for Genoa:
46’ 1T Mikael Ellertsson (direct red).
Substitutions for Sassuolo
65’ 2T – Woyo Coulibaly replaced Sebastian Walukiewicz. 66’ 2T – Cristian Volpato came on for Nemanja Matic. 80’ 2T – Josh Doig was substituted by Luca Lipani and Andrea Pinamonti by Edoardo Iannoni. 86’ 2T – Ismael Koné was replaced by Luca Moro and Stefano Sabelli for Sebastian Otoa.
Yellow cards for Sassuolo:
31’ 1T Josh Doig (unsporting behavior), 39’ 1T Sebastian Walukiewicz (unsporting behavior), and 46’ 2T Tarik Muharemovic (unsporting behavior).
Red card for Sassuolo:
46’ 1T Domenico Berardi (direct red).