Sunday, January 18, 2009

Genoa's visions of Champions League

Genoa's visions of the Champions League marched forward with tight 2-0 victory over Lecce today on the strength of Boško Janković stylish goal and Giuseppe Sculli striking before time ran out. The victory continues the Rossoblu's magical ride to fourth in the Serie A table, only two points behind AC Milan.

With Diego Milito still recovering from injury, Gian Piero Gasperini deployed Rubén Olivera, Marco Rossi and emerging star Boško Janković as his striking trident and they did not disappoint. Only a curmudgeonly Lecce back-line and the quick thinking work of their 'keeper Francesco Benussi, turned the Grifone away before the break. While Genoa threatened on the doorstep, including Giandomenico Mesto chance for glory midway of the half, Rubinho had nary an effort in his direction and the match went to break scoreless.

Mario Beretta's adjusted his tactics with the re-start and his Giallorossi asserted their home dominance. Just past the hour mark Giuseppe Sculli entered for Rubén Olivera but momentum is clearly in Lecce's direction. Twenty-one minutes after the restart Simone Tiribocchi is on the verge of giving his side the lead before his touch evades him and Genoa makes them pay dearly for it. Charging into
the six, from Giandomenico Mesto's provion, the former Crvena zvezda man Boško Janković shows his promise once again with an act of genius the Serbian international back heeled the ball to the left of Francesco Benussi and into the net. The Giallorossi, who had put forth a valiant effort so far, were now punch-drunk, wobbling and without bite. Genoa sensed blood and controlled the balance of the match but still thirsted for more and in added-time Ivan Jurić set Giuseppe Sculli up for a clinical finish to bring the match to its final 2-0 score.