Genoa have secured their Serie A safety after a pulsating scoreless draw with Inter at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris in one of today’s early kickoffs.
The last time Inter played Genoa, it was just before the winter break, and both clubs’ fortunes looked much different then they currently do.
However, Genoa came into today’s game after back-to-back wins, though the club was still playing for la salvezza. Inter on the other hand, were playing for pride after coming off losses to Palermo and Lazio. And the game the two produced on Sunday at the Marassi was completely different than the one the two played in December at the San Siro.
Both teams came out of the gates hungry with an early quick pace. Inter looked like they could get the upper hand as Yuto Nagatomo got the best of Andreas Granqvist on the left wing, before he was hauled down by Matuzalem just outside the penalty area.
Nothing came of the ensuing free-kick, but Inter’s quick-fire passing showed signs of breaking down Genoa’s rearguard in the early minutes. However, Genoa were able to relieve the pressure and piled on some of their own. Antonio Floro Flores tested Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the sixth minute from about 25-yards, but the Nerazzurri No. 1 was up to the task.
Five minutes later it was Genoa’s man-in-form Marco Borriello with the best chance of the half. His header from an Andrea Bertolacci cross induced an acrobatic save from Handanovic on a ball that was on its way into the top corner.
Inter’s best chance of the first half came in the 15th minute when Fredy Guarin’s tame shot was easily caught by Sebastien Frey. For all the sharp passing and potential in the Nerazzurri’s passing game, the club still couldn’t get the best of the Grifone’s back four; and rarely trouble Frey on the day.
As the first half continued on at a slightly less than frantic pace, Genoa looked the more likely to score and almost did just before the half. Bertolacci called Handanovic into action once more, and again the keeper was up to the job as he tipped the Italian’s long-range shot over the crossbar.
The second half picked up just were the first ended at the same high tempo. But again, neither team could get the break through, despite having half chances. The breakthrough nearly came when Matuzalem’s cross found Juan Manuel Vargas in the box, but his header was sent into the ground before the goalkeeper gobbled it up. Borriello was the next to try, but his overhead kick from Floro Flores’ cross sailed into the side netting.
Genoa were in the ascendancy, despite Frey being called into action to make a diving stop on a Guarin effort. Inter were fading around the hour mark, and coach Andrea Stramaccioni reacted by taking off the absolutely ineffective Ricky Alvarez. In his place came former Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano to a round of boos from the home faithful.
Following Cassano’s introduction, the Nerazzurri looked more confident with the ball at their feet, much like the early minutes of the game. Inter began to come into the game more and in the 71st minute almost got the game’s first goal. A deflected pass fell to the feet of Tommaso Rocchi, giving the Italian a clear shot at goal. His strike hit off the top of the crossbar just saving Genoa.
With Genoa running out of gas in the last 20 minutes, it was Genoa coach Davide Ballardini’s turn to make a change bringing on midfielder Juraj Kucka for Floro Flores. Floro Flores has been in excellent form for the Grifone in recent weeks, and has proved an important player for the club for a second time in his career.
In the 78th minute Inter had more bad luck as the club lost Andrea Ranocchia to an injury as the defender limped off. Genoa also lost a player to injury on the day as Borriello went off to a standing ovation after taking a blow to the head. Unlike Ranocchia, Borriello was able to leave the field without any assistance from a physio.
Despite both teams continuing to push for a winning goal nothing was forth coming. However, the draw coupled with Palermo’s loss ensures Genoa of another season in Serie A.
