In a dramatic Serie A encounter, Genoa secured their first win under new manager Patrick Vieira, capitalizing on Udinese’s early setback. The match was defined by a moment of recklessness from Udinese’s Isaak Toure, who received a red card just four minutes into the game.
The incident occurred when Alessandro Zanoli attempted to intercept a poor back-pass from Toure. In a desperate attempt to prevent Zanoli from reaching the ball, Toure struck him in the face with an elbow. After a VAR review, the referee had no choice but to send Toure off, leaving Udinese to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Genoa wasted no time in exploiting their numerical advantage. Andrea Pinamonti opened the scoring, capitalizing on a well-worked move involving Aaron Martin and Morten Thorsby. The goal came from close range, with Udinese’s Kingsley Ehizibue playing Pinamonti onside.
Despite being a man down, Udinese showed resilience and managed to create some chances. Jordan Zemura had a notable attempt, though it was comfortably saved by the Genoa goalkeeper.
The second half saw Genoa extend their lead, albeit with a stroke of fortune. Zanoli’s cross from the right was inadvertently turned into his own net by Udinese defender Lautaro Giannetti, effectively sealing the game for the visitors.
In the closing stages, Mario Balotelli made a brief appearance for Genoa but failed to make a significant impact, with his only notable contribution being a mishit free-kick.
Goals: Pinamonti 13 (G), Giannetti og 67 (G)
Udinese (4-3-1-2): Okoye; Ehizibue (46′ Ebosse), Giannetti, Tourè, Zemura; Lovric (66′ Atta), Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp; Thauvin (74′ Iker Bravo); Davis (87′ Modesto), Lucca (46′ Kristensen)
Genoa (4-3-3): Leali; Sabelli, Bani (80′ Vogliacco), Vasquez, Martin; Thorsby, Badelj (69′ Masini), Frendrup; Zanoli (75′ Balotelli), Pinamonti (69′ Vitinha), Miretti (69′ Messias).
