Serie A: Genoa Hold On for 2-1 Win Over Empoli

Genoa secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Empoli, despite a late surge from the hosts.

Empoli's hopes of securing a crucial home win were dashed as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Genoa, with Milan Badelj and Caleb Ekuban scoring the decisive goals. A missed penalty proved to be a costly mistake for the hosts, who were eager to bounce back from their previous defeat.

Both Empoli and Genoa were dealing with significant injury woes, which impacted their starting lineups. Empoli were without several key players, including Mattia Viti, Pietro Pellegri, and Ola Solbakken. Meanwhile, Genoa were missing notable players such as Mario Balotelli, Alan Matturro, and Junior Messias, as they looked to recover from their first defeat under Patrick Vieira.

Just before half-time, Liberato Cacace was released down the left flank by Henderson and unleashed a powerful shot that was expertly palmed onto the post by Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali.

The second half got off to a dramatic start, as Genoa seized the lead just 30 seconds after the restart. Vitinha dispossessed Goglichidze inside the penalty area, and although Andrea Pinamonti's initial attempt was blocked, Milan Badelj was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and score from just six yards out.

Empoli were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, as Johan Vasquez's poorly timed sliding tackle brought down Sebastiano Esposito, who had already laid the ball off to Lorenzo Colombo. However, Esposito's subsequent spot-kick was expertly palmed onto the post by goalkeeper Nicola Leali.

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Empoli struggled to find the back of the net. Lorenzo Colombo's first touch let him down after a pass from Gyasi, while Fabio Miretti blasted a shot inches wide from the edge of the area. Genoa took advantage of Empoli's profligacy, doubling their lead through a well-worked substitute combination. Miretti made a run down the left and rolled the ball across, where Caleb Ekuban beat Ismajli to tap in from six yards.

Sebastiano Esposito partially redeemed himself for the earlier penalty miss by scoring a brilliant looping header, expertly guided into the far top corner courtesy of Anjorin's precise assist, to bring Empoli back into the game.

Despite their renewed momentum, Empoli were unable to complete the comeback. Morten Frendrup made a crucial intervention, throwing himself in the path of an Esposito strike, while Ismajli produced another vital tackle to thwart Vitinha's counter-attacking effort. Ultimately, Empoli's efforts proved insufficient to turn the game around.