Malinovskyi opens the scoring, Berardi equalizes, and Ostigard’s 93rd-minute goal gives Genoa a long-awaited victory in a dramatic night at the Mapei Stadium.
In one of the most emotional weeks in club history, Genoa finally celebrated their first win of the Serie A season — and did it in dramatic fashion. Under the temporary guidance of Domenico Criscito and Alessandro Murgita, the Grifone defeated Sassuolo 2–1 away from home thanks to a stoppage-time header from Leo Østigård.
Genoa started the game full of intensity, dominating the opening stages and earning their reward in the 18th minute. After Muric failed to clear a corner, the ball dropped to Malinovskyi, who smashed in a left-footed volley from the edge of the box to make it 1–0. The Ligurians continued to press, with Vitinha and Colombo both missing chances to double the lead.
Sassuolo came to life midway through the first half and looked more dangerous after the break. Just seconds into the second half, Domenico Berardi — in his 150th goal for the Neroverdi — slid in to convert from close range and level the match. The hosts then pushed for a winner, with Thorstvedt forcing a key save from Leali and Colombo wasting two more chances for Genoa.
As the game seemed destined for a draw, Genoa threw on fresh legs, switching to a more direct approach. In stoppage time, a perfectly delivered set piece met the head of Østigård, who rose above everyone to bury the winner in the 93rd minute. VAR confirmed the goal, sealing a cathartic first victory of the season for Genoa — and sparking wild celebrations on the bench.
The win lifts the Grifone to six points, moving them above Verona and Fiorentina, while Sassuolo’s inconsistency continues under Fabio Grosso, now stuck on 13 points.
Match Report
Serie A – Matchday 11
Venue: Mapei Stadium (Reggio Emilia)
Scorers:
- 18’ Malinovskyi (Genoa)
- 46’ Berardi (Sassuolo)
- 90+3’ Østigård (Genoa)
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig (77′ Coulibaly); Thorstvedt, Matic, Koné (64′ Vranckx); Berardi (77′ Cheddira), Pinamonti (85′ Moro), Laurienté (64′ Fadera).
Coach: Grosso
Genoa (3-5-2): Leali; Marcandalli (68′ Ellertsson), Østigård, Vásquez; Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi (58′ Masini), Frendrup, Thorsby (84′ Grønbæk), Martin; Vitinha (58′ Messias), Colombo (68′ Ekuban).
Coach: Murgita (interim)
Referee: Feliciani (Teramo)
Bookings: Malinovskyi (Genoa), Marcandalli (Genoa), Masini (Genoa), Muharemovic (Sassuolo)
Notes: Corners 3–7; stoppage time 3′ + 6′
