Genoa stunned Udinese with a hard-earned 2-1 win at the Bluenergy Stadium, powered by Ruslan Malinovskyi’s composed penalty and a decisive strike from Brooke Norton-Cuffy, lifting the Grifone up to 15th in the Serie A table.
Both sides entered the clash still smarting from midweek Coppa Italia exits. Udinese were without Arthur Atta and Hassane Kamara, while suspended coach Kosta Runjaic watched on from the stands.
Genoa also had a lengthy absentee list – including Leo Ostigard, Morten Frendrup, Benjamin Siegrist, Maxwel Cornet and Albert Gronbaek, though Norton-Cuffy returned from suspension and Junior Messias, Hugo Cuenca, and Jean Onana were back in the squad.
The visitors arrived boasting an unbeaten league run since parting ways with Patrick Vieira.
The hosts thought they’d taken an early lead when Keinan Davis tucked in from close range after Jakub Piotrowski’s acrobatic effort was charged down, but the flag cut celebrations short.
Just minutes later, Udinese suffered a setback as Jordan Zemura limped off with a muscular problem.
Genoa grew in confidence and forced the breakthrough when Lorenzo Colombo capitalised on a defensive mix-up and was brought down by Maduka Okoye in the box. Malinovskyi stepped up and calmly slotted home from the spot.
Rui Modesto’s long-range rocket drew a fingertip save from Leali, while Okoye responded with his own acrobatics to deny Vitinha’s curler early in the second half.
Udinese pushed back, and Nicolò Bertola came close twice, first denied at the near post, then hitting the side netting from the resulting corner.
Their persistence finally paid off. Masini was dispossessed in midfield, sparking a quick counter, and Modesto’s low cross from the left was swept in first-time by Piotrowski for his maiden goal in Udinese colours.
Colombo missed a golden chance to restore Genoa’s advantage with a diving header, and Zaniolo’s sharp hit failed to trouble Leali. But Genoa weren’t done.
A slick attacking move saw Ekuban sprint down the left and square across the box; Messias cleverly dummied the pass, allowing Norton-Cuffy to arrive unmarked and lash home the winner at the back post.
Udinese threw bodies forward late on, Buksa’s looping header shaved the woodwork and Sandi Lovrić tested Leali’s handling, but Genoa held firm to secure a crucial away victory.
