Sunday, March 1, 2009

Genoa miss out on day of opportunity

In a grand day of opportunity, when champions rise to the occasion, Genoa did not answer the call and played to a scoreless draw against Sienna. Without a doubt credit is due to the sheer brilliance of Sienna, much maligned for their stature in the table, for solid display of defensive resolve. With the draw the Rossoblu hold on to fifth in the table but miss a chance to draw level to AC Milan who lost to Sampdoria.

After an early run for the Tuscan home side, Genoa woke from their slumber and began to apply a morsel of pressure. However with each Genoa effort going forward the Bianconeri responded and grew in confidence. Slowly the counter disappeared and Gian Piero Gasperini wisely knew his side was been played into disadvantage where they would be draw into an over commitment.

At the restart Genoa's pulse rose and both Diego Milito and Serbian international Boško Janković threatened near the hour but their offerings were dealt with handily Sienna's superb 'keeper Gianluca Curci. With fourteen minutes remaining Raffaele Palladino came in for Boško Janković and his inspiring play was evident immediately. As the clock ticked down the former Juventus man shook the posts with a drive from the right side of box. Still without a goal, the match spiraled into a worldwide of activity with late efforts by Diego Milito and Domenico Criscito but each fell short and the afternoon concluded with a nil draw.

Photo credit: La Gazzetta dello Sport (AP Photo/Paolo Lazzeroni)