Genoa remain in the relegation zone thanks to a 1-1 draw with Atalanta in Serie A’s opening fixture of round 33.
The Grifone came into the weekend needing a win to move in front of both Palermo and Siena in the standing, however, the draw keeps them one point behind the Sicilians and two points behind the Tuscan side.
Meanwhile, the stalemate adds a valuable point to Atalanta, who are still trying to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The match got off to a fierce start with Genoa controlling much of the early action. Coach Davide Ballardini changed his side from his favored 3-5-2 to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. The club’s defence has leaked goals in recent weeks and the shift to the four man backline was an attempt to alleviate the pressure on goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.
It was, however, Atalanta’s defence that was under pressure first as the Grifone struck first blood. La Dea’s Davide Biondini, on loan from Genoa, brought down midfielder Andrea Bertolacci inside the Genoa half. This led to a long free-kick that found the head of Antonio Floro Flores who expertly put the ball into the back of the net.
Floro Flores got the start in place of the suspended Marco Borriello and throughout the first half showed he was deserving of his place on the day. But Genoa’s lead would last a mere three minutes as Cristiano Del Grosso made amends for his poor marking on Floro Flores by striking a wonderful half volley. The defender reacted first to a corner that bounced just outside the 18-yard box, leaving Genoa goalkeeper Frey standing still.
As the two sides reached the half hour mark the tackles become more ferocious as well as chippy. A combined 45 fouls and nine yellow cards were given out on the day as both teams looked quite nervy at times. The Genoa nerves were induced by the electric atmosphere at the Marassi and the need for points as 15 points remain between Genoa and Serie B.
The best chances of the first half continued to fall to the home side – who had 17 shots to La Dea’s 3 in the game – with the best chance falling to Floro Flores just before halftime. Luca Antonelli’s throw in fell to the striker’s foot inside the eight-yard box. However, his flick could not beat Andrea Consigli as things went to the break all square.
Genoa came out of the dressing room on the front foot, but like in the first half continued to misfire.
Though the play was fast and furious, it was Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono that received his marching orders in the 57th minute rather than a player. The coach was sent to the dressing room for a second caution for, what was described as, berating his own players and the match referee.
Colantuono’s ejection was the only one on the day, though former Atalanta player and current Genoa centre-back Thomas Manfredini was deserving of one, too. Manfredini fouled former teammate Giacomo Bonaventura, sending him to the ground before kicking the La Dea player in the back of the knee. Manfredini’s actions went unnoticed and fortunately for Genoa, the defender remained on the pitch.
In the 84th minute Genoa had the best chance of the second half as Matuzalem drilled a shot from 25-yards straight into the hands of Consigli. Though the Grifone had a weak shout for a handle ball in stoppage time, that would be the best chance either team would have for the rest of the game.
Atalanta now move 10 points above the relegation zone and closer to the magic mark of 40 points.
