Serie A | Genoa 2-2 Cagliari: Match Report

In a thrilling Serie A encounter at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Patrick Vieira experienced a rollercoaster debut as Genoa’s new head coach, securing a 2-2 draw against Cagliari in a match filled with dramatic moments.

The game started with a controversial penalty awarded to Cagliari after just six minutes. Razvan Marin converted the spot-kick after a VAR review showed the ball striking Morten Thorsby’s arm from Yerry Mina’s header. However, Genoa quickly responded through Morten Frendrup, who thundered home a half-volley from 14 yards following a long throw-in by Alessandro Zanoli.

Fabio Miretti put Genoa ahead midway through the second half, sweeping in a precise finish after a Thorsby pull-back. The home side looked set for victory, creating several promising chances.

Cagliari snatched a late equalizer through another penalty, with Roberto Piccoli converting – notably refraining from celebrating against his former club. The match concluded with a VAR-reviewed potential red card for Nicolas Viola being downgraded to a yellow.

Vieira departed from predecessor Alberto Gilardino’s three-man defense, opting for a 4-3-3 formation. The match saw the return of several players from injury, including Johan Vasquez, Mattia Bani, and Vitinha. The draw leaves Genoa in a precarious position, still hovering just above the relegation zone in Serie A.

Goals: Marin pen 8 (C), Frendrup 12 (G), Miretti 59 (G), Piccoli pen 88 (C)

Genoa (4-3-3): Leali; Zanoli (dal 77′ Vogliacco), Bani, Matturro, Sabelli (dal 68′ Messias); Thorsby, Badelj, Frendrup; Miretti (dal 77′ Vasquez), Pinamonti (dall’89’ Balotelli), Martin (dall’89’ Vitinha)

Cagliari (4-2-3-1): Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello (dal 64′ Obert); Marin (dal 68′ Makoumbou), Adopo (dal 76′ Deiola); Zortea (dal 64′ Pavoletti), Gaetano (dal 76′ Viola), Luvumbo; Piccoli.

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