Serie A

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·21 January 2024

Serie A | Salernitana 1-2 Genoa: Grifone win relegation dogfight

Mateo Retegui and Albert Gudmundsson gave Genoa a precious victory in this relegation dogfight with Salernitana, who had taken the lead within 90 seconds.

This was a must-win game for Pippo Inzaghi, who sat out a touchline ban after frustrating last-gasp defeats to Juventus and Napoli. Lassana Coulibaly and Jovane were on international duty, with Federico Fazio, Boulaye Dia and Lorenzo Pirola injured, but they threw new signing Toma Basic straight into the side. Koni De Winter was suspended for Genoa, with Stefano Sabelli, Junior Messias, Ridgeciano Haps and Aaron Martin injured, Morten Thorsby and Caleb Ekuban not fully fit, so ex-Tottenham wing-back Djed Spence made his debut from the start.

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It was a dream start for Salernitana, as Nwankwo Simy started the counter-attack, Antonio Candreva’s through ball found Domagoj Bradaric, who pulled back from the left for Agustin Martegani to smash into the roof of the net from eight yards.

Guillermo Ochoa smothered the Ruslan Malinovskyi volley and Genoa equalised when Mateo Retegui completed the give and go with Albert Gudmundsson, smashing it on the half-volley into the near top corner with his left foot.

There were concerning scenes when the Italy international was pelted with objects thrown from the stands, including a pre-packaged snack bar that Kevin Strootman bit into. Fortunately those who threw rocks and lighters failed to find their targets.

A trademark Candreva scorcher from distance swung just beyond the far top corner, then Josep Martinez had to come rushing out to stop Nwankwo Simy meeting the Candreva ball over the top.

There was a double Martinez save in first half stoppages, first on the Giulio Maggiore header and then the Martegani strike from distance.

Mattia Bani threw himself in front of a Simy effort, but just as Salernitana were pouring forward, they gave away an avoidable penalty. Matteo Lovato completely misjudged the flight of the ball, missed the header entirely and it only struck his outstretched arm. Gudmundsson converted straight down the middle to give Genoa the lead totally against the run of play.

Bani ran a big risk bringing down Loum Tchaouna inches outside the penalty area, from which Candreva’s missile of a free kick smashed against the crossbar.

Maggiore’s looping header was not far wide of the top corner, as Salernitana threw everything forward, but are instead increasingly isolated at the foot of the table.