Genoa stages comeback and practically seals Serie A survival with epic win in Pisa
In a night of intense emotions at the Arena Garibaldi, Genoa produced an electrifying turnaround against Pisa, winning 2-1 and practically ensuring their place in the top tier of Italian football. Daniele De Rossi’s team, under pressure from key absences and facing crucial moments in the fight for survival, showed grit and determination to triumph away from home.
The match began with Pisa surprising Genoa by exploiting one of their chronic weaknesses in set-piece situations. In the 19th minute, Samuele Angori crossed for the towering header of Simone Canestrelli, who put the hosts ahead 1-0, despite VAR rejecting a penalty appeal against Stefano Sabelli. Pisa’s lead could have been extended shortly after, but Angori failed to convert a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
However, Genoa refused to be disheartened. Before halftime, Jeff Ekhator seized on a throw-in and, after a combination with Tommaso Baldanzi and Lorenzo Colombo, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that was a real cold shower for Pisa, equalizing the match in the 41st minute.
In the second half, Genoa’s pressure continued and the decisive moment arrived early. Lorenzo Colombo converted a penalty with class in the 55th minute, following a handball by Canestrelli while trying to stop Baldanzi in the area. This was a perfect response from De Rossi’s team, which had missed half of its penalties in Serie A this season.
Despite Pisa trying to respond, with Michel Aebischer shooting close, goalkeeper Justin Bijlow made a crucial save to maintain Genoa’s lead. The match ended with a fair 2-1 victory for the visitors, who thus took a nearly definitive step towards remaining in the top tier of Italian football.
This victory is even more significant considering the forced absences due to suspensions and injuries in the Genoa squad, including the absence of Ruslan Malinovskyi, Morten Frendrup, and Mikael Ellertsson, as well as key losses like Maxwel Cornet, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and Benjamin Siegrist. On the Pisa side, which remains at the bottom of the table, important players like Marius Marin and Daniel Denoon were also missing.
Daniele De Rossi, the legendary former player of Italian football and now coach of Genoa, can breathe a little easier after this crucial win, which puts his team practically out of the relegation zone with just five matchdays remaining in the season.
Match Summary:
– Pisa 1-2 Genoa
– Goals: Canestrelli (19’ pen) for Pisa; Ekhator (41’) and Colombo (55’ pen) for Genoa.
– Venue: Arena Garibaldi, Pisa
– Date: April 19, 2026
– Matchday: 33rd of the Serie A
The fight for survival in Serie A is intense, and Genoa has shown that they will not make it easy. With this victory, the Grifone team is practically safe and is preparing for the final challenges with renewed confidence. Pisa, on the other hand, remains in trouble and urgently needs to react to avoid disaster.
In summary, a match that will be remembered by Genoa fans as a milestone in their fight for survival and an example of resilience in a season marked by difficulties and absences. Serie A takes a deep breath, and the battle for survival is far from over!
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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