On Wednesday evening at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, both sets of fans were treated to an enthralling encounter between Hellas Verona and Genoa, which finished in a tightly contested 2-2 draw.
Alessandro Matri got the scoring underway and broke the deadlock for Genoa on 34 minutes, after his towering header found the far corner of Pierluigi Gollini’s net, then continued where he left off at the end of the first half, and slotted home past Gollini on 48 minutes.
Panagiotis Tachtsidis immediately restored hope to the home side, as his shot took a slight deflection off Javier Saviola and into the corner of the helpless Mattia Perin’s goal. Ionita himself then completed the comeback for Hellas Verona, when Luca Toni crossed invitingly from the by-line to pick out his teammate in the center, who headed the ball emphatically past Perin on 64 minutes.
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Hellas Verona
Pierluigi Gollini – 8 – Inspiring
The former Manchester United youngster can be proud of an impressive debut, and will look to give coach Mandorlini a difficult choice to make regarding his starting number one in the future. Nothing he could have done to prevent Genoa’s goals.
Ivan Martic – 5.5 – Ineffective
Only played the first after the Croatian was subbed off during the interval for what looked to be a worrying head injury. Found it hard to deal with the pace of Iago Falque when Genoa broke on the counter.
Rafael Marquez – 5 – Complacent
Uncharacteristically made the mistake after being got in possession by Matri which led to the second Genoa goal. Player of his experience should know better in those situations.
Vangelis Moras – 5.5 – Spectator
Never looked in control of the situation when Genoa were attacking, looked flustered at times. Lost out to Matri in the aerial duel for the first goal.
Alessandro Agostini – 6 – Late-comer
Took a while to evolve and grow into the game, but began to show flashes of good overlapping full back play in the second half.
Gustavo Campanharo – 5.5 – Lacklustre
The on loan midfielder from Bragantino found it hard to keep his position in midfield and to track back and defend when Verona lost the ball. Eventually substituted for Obbadi on 70 minutes.
Panagiotis Tachtsidis – 6.5 – Explosive
What he lacked in defensive duties he made up for in creating goal scoring opportunities, and even scoring himself in the process. Took his goal well at an important time in the game.
Artur Ionita – 7 – Difference
For most parts of the game proved to be Verona’s best outfield player, taking his chance in the first team well with both an assist and a goal on the night.
Rafael Marques – 5 – Unknown
Rarely made an impression on the game, let the pace of the match pass him by. Did not offer much in attack.
Luca Toni – 6.5 – Inconsistent
Proved to be a contrasting night for the 37 year old, at times he played with tenacity and put himself in good goal scoring opportunities, however he was wasteful in front of goal and did not take his chances. Assisted Ionita for the equalizer with a superb cross.
Javier Saviola – 6.5 – Experienced
Linked up well with Toni in attack and drew on his years of experience to create problems for the Genoa defence, however could not produce when it mattered and was substituted for Christodoulopoulos just on 68 minutes.
Substitutes
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos – 6.5 – Impact
Came on and added a much needed impudence to the Verona side. Battled hard and competed for every ball.
Juanito Gómez Taleb – 5.5 – Passenger
Struggled to find his feet in the game after coming on at half time.
Mounir Obbadi – N/A
Genoa
Mattia Perin – 8 – Commanding
Much like his counterpart for Verona, led his team by example from the back. Produced world class saves at times and was constantly thwarting the Verona counter attack, leaving Toni very frustrated. At times showed experience well beyond his years.
Facundo Roncaglia – 6 – Decent
Started the game very well and made some important tackles and interceptions. Faded away though as the game went on and struggled to maintain level of play.
Sebastian De Maio – 5.5 – Timid
Found it hard to match the physicality of Toni up front, never imposed himself on the Verona forwards.
Luca Antonini – 6 – Solid
Kept his position well in the back three, drew on his experience and provided a cool and clear head at times when his defensive colleagues lost theirs.
Aleandro Rosi – 6 – Willing
Always on option on the counter, made good marauding runs into the opposition box, not afraid to take a shot. Attack minded runs, however, left spaces in behind him to be exploited.
Stefano Sturaro – 6.5 – Warrior
Battled well in midfield and provided a deft touch and pass when required. Sometimes a bit too tenacious and was liable to concede a foul all game when defending the counter.
Andrea Bertolacci – 6.5 – Unfortunate
Unlucky not to cap off a good performance with a winning goal. Maintained a consistent level of performance throughout the game and was not unwilling to do the hard work in midfield.
Giovanni Marchese – 6 – Unpredictable
Always provided an option in attack and created some good openings for the three front men. Performance too inconsistent however at times.
Iago Falqué – 6.5 – Pacey
Caused problems for the Verona defence in the first half and got up well to support Matri along with his fellow winger Lestienne. Struggled to find similar form in the second half and was eventually subbed off for Rincon.
Maxime Lestienne – 6 – Erratic
Displayed good wing play at times, used his dribbling to confuse the Verona full backs and provide decent crosses into the box at times, however did not produce the final product on a consistent basis and was also substituted in second half for Kucka.
Alessandro Matri – 8 – Deadly
The AC Milan loanee was ruthless in front of goal and pounced on any goal scoring chance that was presented to him, both intentionally and unintentionally. Displayed the kind of performance that will give Conte food for thought in the coming weeks.
Substitutes
Juraj Kucka – 6.5 – Creative
Gave Genoa a lift in the second half at a time when their play lacked imagination.
Tomás Rincón – 6.5 – Mentality
Did not make many mistakes in the midfield area, broke up the Verona play well and was a constant thorn in their side.
Mauricio Pinilla – N/A
