Genoa CFC boosted their survival hopes with a convincing 2–0 victory over Hellas Verona FC, thanks to a strong second-half performance that underlined their determination.
The win lifts the team managed by Daniele De Rossi to 33 points, level with Torino FC and nine points clear of US Cremonese as they await the latter’s clash against ACF Fiorentina. It also marks Genoa’s first away victory in nearly three months.
The visitors took the lead in the 60th minute through Vitinha, who had just come on as a substitute for Caleb Ekuban.
The forward capitalised on a loose ball from Daouda Peeters Belghali and unleashed a powerful strike from about 30 metres that beat goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò.
Despite the power of the effort, the shot was fairly central, leaving the Verona goalkeeper partly responsible for conceding. The goal also served as a memorable birthday celebration for Vitinha, marking his fifth league goal of the season.
Genoa sealed the win late in the match when Johan Vásquez Martín delivered a well-placed free kick into the penalty area, where defender Leo Østigård rose highest to head home in the 86th minute.
The goal was Østigård’s fifth in the league and Martin’s fifth assist of the campaign.
The opening half produced few clear chances. Despite deploying an attack-minded midfield featuring Ruslan Malinovskyi and Junior Messias, Genoa struggled to create opportunities.
Verona, meanwhile, looked the more threatening side early on and nearly went ahead after just three minutes when Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro struck the crossbar.
However, Genoa’s improved display after the break proved decisive, while the defeat leaves Verona second from bottom in the table with their hopes of remaining in Serie A fading fast.
