Sassuolo-Genoa 1-2: Another comeback endured by Neroverdi, Gilardino returns victorious
In a dramatic match at the Mapei Stadium, Sassuolo faced off against Genoa in the 17th round of the Serie A 2023/2024 season.
The game began, with Genoa dominating early on. In the 18th minute of the game, Sassuolo midfielder Boloca lost a tooth in a mid-play collision, but bravely returned to the field.
The first goal of the match came at the 27-minute mark. Pinamonti, from Sassuolo, found the back of the net with an assist from Laurienté. Genoa’s Gudmundsson nearly equalised in the 34th minute, but his near-post effort just missed.
In a crucial save just before the half-time whistle, Martinez denied Matheus Enrique from a one-on-one situation.
As the second half kicked off, another crucial stop came from Consigli who saved a close range shot from Gudmundsson.
In a game-changing moment, a penalty was awarded to Genoa in the 62nd minute due to a handball, upon an on-pitch review by referee Guida. In the ensuing penalty in the 64th minute, Gudmundsson successfully converted to bring the score to 1-1.
Controversy unfolded when an unnamed Sassuolo assistant was ejected from the field due to protests. In the 81st minute, Toljan crossed the ball to Pinamonti, who unfortunately skewed his effort wide.
A late goal from Genoa’s Ekuban in the 87th minute, where he chipped the ball over Erlic and beat Consigli, secured the 2-1 victory for the visiting side. Despite a tense five added minutes, Genoa managed to defend their lead and claimed the three points.
Sassuolo lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Consigli in goal, Toljan, Erlic, Ferrari, and Pederses in defence, and Boloca and Henrique in the midfield. The front three consisted of Castillejo, Thorstvedt, and Lurienté with Pinamonti leading the attack. The team was managed by Dionisi.
Genoa adopted a 3-5-2 formation with Martinez in goal, Dragusin, Bani, and De Winter forming the defence. The midfield comprised of Sabelli, Malinovskyi, Badelj, Frendrup, and Vasquez. Gudmundsson and Ekuban were the attacking duo. The team was under the management of Gilardino.