From our correspondent Francesco Velluzzi
December 28, 2024 (changed at 5.12pm) – EMPOLI
Empoli falls again after the third consecutive stoppage, Genoa enjoys, exalted by four thousand diehard splendid fans. It ends 1-2 at the Castellani with the rossoblù catching up with the Tuscans at 19, rewarded by goals from Badelj and Ekuban on a bad day for Pinamonti, but a wonderful one for Vitinha who only lacks the seal for glory. Empoli, massacred by absences, stumbles again. It’s not enough for a commendable Sebastiano Esposito (missed penalty and goal) and a Gyasi who fights until the end to straighten out a match that gets complicated at the start of the second half due to a sensational mistake by Vasquez with a rash pass that triggers Vitinha. Patrick Vieira’s record is excellent: nine points since his arrival. There is perhaps no longer any need for Mario Balotelli, who seems to be heading towards Mexico. They only lost against Napoli. And now Empoli has got into trouble and will have two direct clashes in Venice and with Lecce at home at the beginning of the year. Not to be missed if you don’t want to undermine all the good things you’ve done so far.
in campo
—
D’Aversa keeps Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo in front with Henderson (who was disqualified at the last match against Toro), but moves Pezzella behind with the centre-backs, bringing Cacace high on the midfielders’ line. Genoa surprises with Norton-Cuffy as full-back and Sabelli on the bench. Where Miretti also remains. The offensive trio chosen by Patrick Vieira is Zanoli-Pinamonti-Vitinha. Genoa livens up immediately, but Vasquez is attentive to easy conclusions, one headed by his namesake. The teams don’t press, they duel and the Ligurians in black jerseys often have the upper hand. The match gets underway from the half hour mark when a shot from Zanoli closed with a triangle with Thorsby sees the usual providential closure from Ismajli in the corner. A minute later, in the 32nd minute, Anjorin does everything on his own, he focuses and finds Leali who clears it into a lateral foul. Shortly afterwards Vieira had to make the first substitution because Norton-Cuffy, uncertain as a full-back, gave up due to a flexor problem. Obviously it’s up to Sabelli. Genoa runs more, they always have Thorsby high under pressure, but the other dangerous shot comes from Empoli in the 43rd minute with Cacace who forces Leali into a corner, after a good play from Sebastiano Esposito, the one who shows more technique in the first equalizing time in which Rapuano pardons both Lorenzo Colombo and Martin from yellow for showy deductions.
The entire Enilive Serie A is only on DAZN. Watch all the matches
recovery
—
A rash and too short pass from Vasquez after 20 seconds turns into an opportunity for Vitinha who puts it in the center, Grassi blocks, Goglichidze comes out badly and Badelj doesn’t forgive. After 28 seconds Genoa took the lead. Empoli’s reaction comes thanks to a great ball stolen from Martin by the usually tireless Gyasi who serves Esposito who starts quickly and is knocked down by Vasquez. Rapuano, not a good referee, doesn’t concede anything, in fact he warns D’Aversa for protests. Then he is called to the monitor and assigns the penalty. Specialist Esposito takes the spot, with Leali deflecting onto the post and then recovering the ball. It’s always Gyasi and Esposito who try to find an equalizer. Their combination gives the ball to Colombo but the Vimercate center forward sensationally misses in front of Leali. D’Aversa meanwhile brought in Fazzini for Henderson to look for more quality, Vieira, on the other hand, changes three: role by role. Out is a dull Pinamonti, Badelj and Zanoli, in Ekuban, Masini and Miretti. Which immediately hits the gas. Vasquez gives another thrill with a missed clearance, then at the other end Anjorin tries high. But in the 23rd minute Thorsby goes down, serves Miretti who puts it in the center where Ekuban does well to mock Ismajli. Genoa double advantage. Double substitution for D’Aversa: De Sciglio for Goglichidze, Maleh for Grassi. Because the challenge is not over yet. Empoli presses and is rewarded. Cross from Cacace that goes from the opposite bank to De Sciglio who passes on Maleh who finds Anjorin: great stroke and this time Esposito hits, jumping on Bani with great timing: 1-2. Vieira wisely covers himself because he foresees the final assault. Move to five at the back with de Winter replacing an exhausted Thorsby. There are 5 minutes of injury time but the only thrill comes from Vitinha on the counterattack, Ekuban serves him, Ismajli saves in the corner.
Related News :