Genoa-Inter 1-1: Dragusin halts Nerazzurri’s run at the top
In the 18th round of Serie A 2023/2024, Genoa and Inter faced off at Marassi, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
The game initiated with Inter taking control early on, with Barella passing to Mkhitaryan who was quickly countered and failed to make a significant impact. Genoa ventured a few offensive moves and tried to break down Inter’s defence, but to no avail.
An attempt was made by Inter’s Arnautovic to cross a pass to Thuram, but the French player’s low-power header was easily intercepted by Genoa’s Martínez. An interruption occurred 16 minutes into the match due to smoke flares that significantly reduced visibility on the field, causing a temporary suspension of the game.
The match resumed 23 minutes in with a considerable chance for Inter. A quick play on the edge of the penalty box and a powerful strike from Arnautovic was blocked by Genoa’s defence. On the 33rd minute, Genoa barely missed a goal after an almost own goal off a header from Acerbi.
The stalemate was finally broken by Inter with a goal on the 43rd minute, courtesy of a rebound shot from Arnautovic following Barella’s strike that hit the post. The first half ended with a 7-minute injury time during which Genoa equalised with Dragusin’s powerful header on Gudmundsson’s corner kick.
The second half began without a hitch. Genoa showed potential with a header from Vasquez that went wide. Inter’s Arnautovic came close to scoring a double but his strike just missed the mark.
The match drew to a close with both teams probing for the winning goal, but unsuccessful. Genoa’s Dragusin made a heading attempt but it went over the bar, while a long-range shot from Inter’s Calhanoglu also went off target. An additional six minutes was assigned for injury time but couldn’t change the stalemate, making the final scoreline 1-1.
Both teams featured a 3-5-2 formation: Genoa, managed by Gilardino, featured Martinez as goalkeeper with Bani, Dragusin, and De Winter in defence, while Inter, under Inzaghi, relied on Sommer as their last defence with Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni forming their defence line.
The match highlight was the 43-minute goal by Arnautovic for Inter and the 45’+7-minute equaliser by Dragusin for Genoa.