Genoa pulled off a stunning upset against Sassuolo, clinching a 2-1 win with a stoppage-time header that could spark their Serie A survival fight. As the final whistle blew at Mapei Stadium on November 3, 2025, fans wondered if this breakthrough might turn around Genoa’s dismal season.
Tense First Half Sets the Stage
The match kicked off with high stakes for both sides. Sassuolo, sitting comfortably in mid-table, aimed to build on their recent form. Genoa, rock bottom and without a win all season, desperately needed points after sacking manager Patrick Vieira just days earlier.
Genoa struck first in the 17th minute. Ruslan Malinovskyi fired a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box into the top right corner, giving the visitors a surprise lead. This goal came after a corner, highlighting Genoa’s set-piece threat early on.
Sassuolo pushed back hard but struggled to break through. Attempts from Armand Laurienté and Andrea Pinamonti tested Genoa’s keeper Nicola Leali, who made key saves to keep his team ahead at the break.
The half ended 0-1, with Genoa showing grit despite their poor run. Yellow cards flew, including one to Malinovskyi for a bad foul, adding to the tension.
Second Half Fireworks and Equalizer
The second half exploded right away. Domenico Berardi leveled the score for Sassuolo just seconds after the restart, slotting home from close range after a corner. This quick strike shifted momentum, energizing the home crowd and putting Genoa on the back foot.
Substitutions changed the game’s flow. Sassuolo brought on fresh legs like Aster Vranckx and Alieu Fadera to press for a winner. Genoa responded by introducing players such as Junior Messias and Caleb Ekuban, aiming to counterattack.
Missed chances piled up on both sides. Sassuolo’s Kristian Thorstvedt fired wide from distance, while Genoa’s Lorenzo Colombo saw shots go high. The match turned physical, with fouls and yellow cards disrupting play.
A brief delay for an injury to Genoa’s Johan Vásquez paused the action, but the intensity never dropped. Corners and blocked shots kept fans on edge, as neither team could find a clear edge.
Late Drama Seals Genoa’s Triumph
As the clock ticked down, Genoa ramped up pressure. In the 92nd minute, Leo Østigård rose highest to head in a cross from Aarón Martín off a set piece, making it 2-1. This dramatic late goal stunned Sassuolo and handed Genoa their first victory of the season, a potential turning point in their relegation battle.
The hosts tried to respond in the four minutes of added time, but Genoa’s defense held firm. Walid Cheddira won a late free kick for Sassuolo, yet they couldn’t convert.
Key stats underline the upset. Genoa managed only 35% possession but capitalized on set pieces, scoring both goals from them. Sassuolo dominated shots with 14 to Genoa’s 12, but efficiency won the day.
Here are some standout player performances:
- Domenico Berardi: Scored Sassuolo’s lone goal and created chances throughout.
- Ruslan Malinovskyi: Opened the scoring and dictated Genoa’s midfield play.
- Leo Østigård: Hero of the match with his winning header.
Team Form and Broader Implications
Sassuolo entered the game on a decent run, having won three of their last five matches. Their mid-table position, 10 points ahead of Genoa before kickoff, suggested they were favorites. Predictions from experts often tipped a 2-1 home win, reflecting Sassuolo’s stronger form under coach Fabio Grosso.
Genoa, however, defied the odds. Still winless until this match, their three points from nine games had them anchored at the bottom. The sacking of Vieira after a 2-0 loss to Cremonese added uncertainty, but interim leadership sparked resilience.
| Match Statistic | Sassuolo | Genoa |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Shots | 14 | 12 |
| Corners | 4 | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
This table shows how Genoa made the most of limited chances. Their seven corners compared to Sassuolo’s four proved crucial.
The result impacts the Serie A standings. Sassuolo stays in 10th but misses a chance to climb higher. For Genoa, these three points offer hope in their fight against relegation, potentially boosting morale for upcoming fixtures.
Tactical Insights and Player Spotlights
Coach Grosso’s Sassuolo relied on pressing and quick transitions, with players like Tarik Muharemovic anchoring defense. Muharemovic picked up a late yellow for a foul, but his overall play was solid.
Genoa’s approach focused on counterattacks and set pieces. Malinovskyi’s early goal set the tone, while Østigård’s winner showcased their aerial strength. Substitutes like Messias added energy, helping them weather Sassuolo’s attacks.
One surprising fact: Genoa’s win marks their first away victory against Sassuolo in over five years, per league records. This rarity adds to the shock value.
Fans might wonder about Genoa’s next steps. Without a permanent manager, stability is key. Sassuolo, meanwhile, will look to bounce back quickly to maintain their position.
This match reminds us how unpredictable Serie A can be. A team at the bottom can rise with determination, affecting fans’ hopes and bets alike. It might even influence transfer decisions in the winter window, as both clubs assess needs.
In a season full of twists, Genoa’s late heroics against Sassuolo stand out as a beacon of hope for underdogs everywhere. This win not only lifts their spirits but also shakes up the relegation scrap, proving that one goal can change everything. What do you think about Genoa’s comeback chances now? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to your friends on social media.
