Serie A | Verona 0-2 Genoa: De Rossi close to survival as Gialloblu sink

Vitinha and Leo Ostigard’s goals gave Genoa a crucial 2-0 win away at Verona, and while Daniele De Rossi’s side nears survival, the Gialloblu seem destined for relegation to Serie B.

De Rossi’s Genoa secured a massive 2-0 win at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona on Sunday, climbing to 13th in Serie A with 33 points, nine above the relegation zone.

Verona, on the other hand, remain in 19th with just 18 points.

The first half at the Bentegodi was quite dull, with Verona midfielder Jean Akpa Akpro producing the only decent goal-scoring opportunity for the home side when his cross from the right hit the crossbar.

Caleb Ekuban had the best chance for the visitors, backed by over 2,000 fans travelling from Genoa, but Lorenzo Montipò easily blocked the striker’s weak shot.

The first half ended with Verona producing just 0.7 Expected Goals against Genoa’s 0.14.

De Rossi’s second-half substitutions made the difference, as Vitinha replaced Ekuban and scored with his first touch.

The Portuguese striker saw Montipò off his line and unleashed a powerful shot from 32 yards. It was strong, but straight down the middle, and the Verona goalkeeper was poorly positioned to stop it.

Ostigard sealed the match a few minutes later, powering in a decisive header from a Martin free kick delivered from the left.

The only real Hellas response came through a Tomas Suslov free kick that sailed over the crossbar.

For the Grifone, it marked their first away victory in three months, while Verona’s winless run at home stretches on since the beginning of December.

Verona 0-2 Genoa

Vitinha 61 (G), Ostigard 87 (G)