Malinovskyi, Ekuban and Messias strike off the bench as Genoa stun Bologna on Serie A Matchday 22
Genoa pulled off a dramatic comeback at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Bologna 3-2 thanks to decisive contributions from the bench. A red card for Łukasz Skorupski proved to be the turning point in a match that slipped away from Vincenzo Italiano’s side and handed Daniele De Rossi a precious victory.
Bologna started strongly and looked in full control for much of the first half. With Orsolini and Castro initially left on the bench, Italiano entrusted the attack to Sam Rowe and Ciro Immobile, whose constant movement unsettled Genoa’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Lewis Ferguson fired a low shot from the edge of the box that crept in off the inside of the post, rewarding Bologna’s superior buildup play.
The Rossoblù doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. Rowe again played a key role, threading a pass for Zortea, whose low cross was unfortunately turned into his own net by Otoa, making it 2-0 and seemingly putting Bologna in full command.
The match changed completely at the hour mark. Skorupski miscontrolled the ball outside his area and brought down Vitinha, leaving referee Maresca no choice but to show a straight red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, a decision later confirmed by VAR. Substitute goalkeeper Ravaglia was immediately tested—and beaten—by Ruslan Malinovskyi, whose wickedly struck free kick bent past him to ignite Genoa’s comeback.
De Rossi pushed all his chips forward, and the changes paid off again. In the 78th minute, Ekuban produced a superb first-time finish to level the score at 2-2, further lifting the home crowd. Bologna, now disorganized and short-handed, struggled to cope with Genoa’s renewed energy.
Deep into stoppage time, the comeback was completed. Junior Messias curled a stunning left-footed shot into the corner, leaving Ravaglia helpless and sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory for the Grifone.
The result gives Genoa valuable breathing room in the standings, moving them six points clear of the relegation zone. Bologna, meanwhile, continue to endure a difficult spell, once again undone by a costly episode and a collapse in the final half hour.
Match Report
Genoa 3-2 Bologna
Genoa (3-4-3): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Otoa, Vasquez (Cornet 73’); Norton-Cuffy (Zatterstrom 96’), Frendrup, Ellertsson, Martin (Messias 55’); Vitinha (Ekuban 73’), Colombo, Ekhator (Malinovskyi 55’).
Coach: Daniele De Rossi
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Casale, Heggem, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Ferguson; Rowe (Vitik 73’), Odgaard (Dallinga 73’), Dominguez (Ravaglia 61’); Immobile (Sohm 73’).
Coach: Vincenzo Italiano
Goals: Ferguson (35’), Otoa og (47’), Malinovskyi (62’), Ekuban (78’), Messias (91’)
Referee: Maresca
Yellow cards: Immobile, Ravaglia (Bologna); Malinovskyi, Marcandalli (Genoa)
Red cards: Skorupski (Bologna, 56’)
