Journalist
November 4, 2024 (change at 8.55pm) – PARMA
A strike from Andrea Pinamonti makes Genoa smile again as they defeat Tardini and join Parma in the standings. Grifone’s success was well-deserved, as in the first half they proved to be much more reactive and proactive than the Emilians, and in the second half they caged their opponents, forced them into a slow and predictable maneuver and, at the right moment, placed the winning shot. To complete a truly special day for Genoa there is also the debut of Mario Balotelli, in the final minutes. A few touches, a couple of entries, a yellow card. But the important thing is that Gilardino, from now on, can also count on him, given that the nine absences are a rather heavy burden to carry around. If you really want to look for an alibi at Parma for a very disappointing performance, you can find it in Bernabè’s injury: the Spanish talent stopped in the 15th minute of the first half due to a problem with the flexors of his right leg. Without the element that lights up the game, Pecchia’s team is in difficulty: it never manages to trigger the strikers, it struggles to dribble in midfield, it is cumbersome in its construction and, ultimately, it does not produce any clear scoring opportunities.
the challenge
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Already in the first half we could see the problems gripping Parma, and Genoa, with a very wise and equally determined match conduct, took advantage of it. At the end of the half a poisonous shot from Frendrup was deflected for a corner by Suzuki (48′), while the Emilians were unable to come out of their shell. It’s not a question of tactical deployment, but of attitude: Grifone is hungry, Parma is not. And this is a problem for a team that, after four consecutive draws, absolutely must seek victory (which has been missing since August 24: 2-1 against Milan). Gilardino, who draws a classic 3-5-2, goes around the opponent, his players press, fight and win all the duels. Pinamonti’s goal, in the 34th minute of the second half, is the right reward for a group that, despite the difficulties, doesn’t give up an inch. The goal’s action is a demonstration of Genoa’s stubbornness: shot by Ekhator, blocked by Suzuki and Pinamonti scores the goal. Previously, in the 13th minute, Pinamonti himself hit the post with a great shot and, on the rebound, Delprato saved from Badelj’s surefire touch.
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Finale
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Few traces of Parma in the notebook. A shot from Almqvist, one from Estevez and one from Benedyczak, returning after a long injury. Really too little to hope to collect at least one point. At the end of the match, the Tardini crowd roared, while Gilardino let out an understandable and justified scream of joy.
