Vitinha scores moments after coming on, and Ostigard adds a late header as Genoa claim a key victory in the Serie A relegation battle on Matchday 29.
Genoa secured an important 2–0 victory away to Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi, earning their second consecutive win and strengthening their position in the fight for Serie A survival.
The Rossoblù broke the deadlock in the second half thanks to substitute Vitinha before Leo Ostigard sealed the result late with a powerful header. The win provides a major boost for Genoa, while Verona’s situation becomes increasingly difficult as they remain seven points away from safety with nine rounds remaining.
The first half offered very little excitement. Both teams struggled to create clear chances, and the match was largely played in midfield. Verona came closest to scoring when Jean-Victor Makengo Akpa-Akpro delivered a dangerous shot-cross that nearly surprised Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, striking the crossbar.
The game finally came alive after halftime, largely due to the tactical changes made by Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi. His substitutions immediately changed the rhythm of the match.
In the 61st minute, Vitinha had been on the field for barely a minute when he produced the decisive moment. The Portuguese forward unleashed a powerful long-range strike that caught Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò off guard, giving Genoa a 1–0 lead.
Verona attempted to react but struggled to create real danger against a well-organized Genoa defense.
The visitors sealed the result in the 86th minute. Another substitute, Aaron Martin, delivered a precise cross into the box that found Ostigard, who rose above the defense and powered a header into the net for his fifth goal of the season.
The late strike put the result beyond doubt and confirmed another valuable three points for Genoa in their push to remain in the top flight.
For Verona, the defeat deepens the crisis. The Scaligeri remain stuck in the relegation zone, and with time running out in the season, the pressure continues to grow.
Match Report
Verona 0-2 Genoa
Goals:
61’ Vitinha (Genoa), 86’ Ostigard (Genoa)
Verona (3-5-2):
Montipò; Edmundsson, Nelsson, Valentini; Oyegoke (46’ Belghali), Akpa-Akpro, Gagliardini, Harroui (65’ Suslov), Frese (80’ Sarr); Bowie, Orban (86’ Mosquera).
Coach: Paolo Sammarco
Genoa (3-5-2):
Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Sabelli (59’ Norton-Cuffy), Malinovskyi (71’ Amorim), Frendrup, Messias (78’ Martin), Ellertsson; Colombo (79’ Ekhator), Ekuban (60’ Vitinha).
Coach: Daniele De Rossi
Referee: Marchetti
Yellow Cards: Oyegoke, Akpa-Akpro, Vitinha
Red Cards: None
