Diego Milito leads Genoa to derby victory

Genoa's search for a Champions League berth took a strong step forward with a heated 3-1 victory over Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferraris Sunday evening. Fueled by Diego Milito three goals, the Rossoblu responded perfectly to last weeks loss to Bologna against their rivals and are only a point behind fourth place Fiorentina.

In a highly physical derby, Il Principe gave Genoa the lead at the half-hour as sent in Matteo Ferrari flick on following a corner. Although Genoa was owning the balance of attacking impetus, just before the break Hugo Campagnaro sent it a loose ball via a errant attempt by Angelo Palombo. Reaching for fresh attacking inspiration Giandomenico Mesto summoned Marco Rossi at the hour and with seventeen minutes remaining Genoa found the lead again in surprising fashion. As Gennaro Delvecchio's clearance fell short to Domenico Criscito, the talented young defender dispatched the ball to Diego Milito for a brilliant finish. As the match wound down red-cards cascaded with both Matteo Ferrari sent off with three minutes remaining and both Hugo Campagnaro and Thiago Motta shown the door for a physical altercation. Looking for the equalizer Sampdoria was prone at the back and the striker found his third of the night as Omar Milanetto's long ball to Raffaele Palladino was further linked-up for a close range finish.