The Ukrainian scores from the penalty spot, the Bianconeri midfielder equalizes, but the English winger decides the match in the final minutes

These games are marked, dangerous, traps. Udinese falls badly, and Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa takes its second win in a row, with its fifth consecutive positive result. The Roman coach, who replaced Patrick Vieira, is unbeaten. Lucky, yes, but his Genoa side is also cynical, concrete, and effective, climbing to 14 points and moving out of trouble and the relegation zone for now. The precious 1-2 victory was secured by the most sought-after man in the upcoming transfer market, the Englishman Norton Cuffy, the only one, as his coach said, who has a physique and build similar to the Udinese giants. However, by creating confusion and often being blocked by the Rossoblù’s well-closed spaces, they ended up losing a game they should have won due to their obvious but not fully demonstrated individual superiority. Udinese made up for it with Piotrowski’s first goal from a penalty in the first half due to various mistakes by three players, but then, in their confused rush to seek victory, they lost. And the coaches, given that Kosta Runjaic was suspended and his Polish assistant Przemyslaw Malecki was on the bench, did their part. The substitutions did not seem to be the right ones, and individual mistakes in Serie A are costly. FIRST HALF The two teams have the same 3-5-2 formations. But De Rossi has to deal with two significant absences: center back Ostigard, one of the fittest players, and the indispensable Frendrup, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. So, 21-year-old Danish giant Otoa, who has only made one appearance so far, took his place in the center of defense, with Masini slotting in alongside him. Udinese played at home and pushed harder, while De Rossi was more defensive, with Thorsby often marking Zaniolo. In the 6th minute, Karlstrom’s free kick from the three-quarter line forced Leali into a punch. In the 10th minute, the Bianconeri score with Davis, but he is offside. In the 14th minute, they lose Zemura, who pulled a muscle in a previous tackle. Rui Modesto comes on, adapting to the left. The game is lacking in inspiration, with only Zanoli attempting a few crosses and a few plays. Zaniolo is closely marked. In the 38th minute, however, came the turning point: Ekkelenkamp played a high and reckless pass to Solet, who was distracted. Colombo broke away and Okoye was late and committed a foul. Maresca awarded a clear penalty, which Malinovskyi converted. Genoa took the lead. Udinese took control of the field, but the only significant shot was from 30 meters by Modesto, which Leali sent for a corner.
SECOND HALF No surprises from the locker rooms. But another surprise from Udinese, with Rui Modesto making another mistake coming off his line. The ball reached Vitinha, but this time Okoye excelled himself. From there, the home team shook themselves up and tried to accelerate to find the equalizer. It was a one-sided game. Genoa are behind and can only attempt a few counterattacks, while Udinese try to break down the wall. They succeed in the 20th minute when Solet opens up for Modesto, who crosses and finds Piotrowski to score his first goal in Serie A. Genoa only make their presence felt four minutes later when Okoye manages to save himself from danger with a big hand. The substitutions begin, starting with the forwards. Buksa replaces Davis, while Ekuban, Ekhator, and Junior Messias come on for the Rossoblù. Zaniolo stays on the pitch for the first time for the entire match, but he is constantly closed down and double-teamed by Thorsby. Yet another mistake, this time by Ehizibue (why was he brought on for Zanoli?), gave Genoa a counterattack in the 35th minute, which this time proved fatal and lethal. Messias and Ekuban set up Norton Cuffy, who was free to score and dream. The five minutes of added time led to nothing except a shot by Lovric that was saved by the excellent Leali.