Beppe Nuti, Telenord journalist
Genoa believes in a draw in Bergamo but with less than a quarter of an hour to go, Lookman’s goal changes the game. We will talk about the rossoblù moment with Beppe NutiTelenord journalist, in the 319th episode of the column Pianetagenoa1893.net “Attack Griffon”.
Exaggerated defeat for Genoa? «Before the VAR episode, which we will talk about, I didn’t have the feeling that Atalanta could break the deadlock: in fact, Genoa risked scoring a third consecutive 0-0 in Bergamo, after those achieved by Ballardini and Blessin. In the first half Grifo played on par with Gasperini’s team and in the second half they built three scoring situations with Dragusin, the post nicked by Gudmundsson and Puscas’ very occasional shot. The rossoblù, also saved by the saves of Leali who made up for the poor performance in the Italian Cup, held up well on the flanks and held the distance from an athletic point of view. What, however, represents a limit for Genoa is the quality of the bench, especially with four injured players».
He first mentioned the Var irritation for the (wrong) correction of the determination taken by Marinelli on the occasion of Lookman’s goal. «The match director’s decision cannot be overturned after almost four minutes of checking carried out on a series of images which do not demonstrate the possible touch of the Atalanta player, who had also committed a foul in attack. I think Lookman grazed the ball so he could kick it from behind: if the VAR fails to shed light, the choice of field must be maintained otherwise football becomes a big waste of time. Gilardino was very elegant in dribbling the theme at the end of the match, except for a slight hint without controversy; I say that Genoa lost more points in the standings due to a controversial refereeing episode that was quite easy to resolve. It is the second serious situation that backfires: in doubt, against Genoa».
Speaking of Mr. Gilardino, how did he conduct the match? «Let me start by saying that I don’t like the formation with the three-man defence, but the Genoa coach rightly resorted to it to better counteract the opponents’ qualities. Once Ekuban was exhausted, I would have anticipated Puscas’ entry into the field; I didn’t understand the choice of Galdames instead of Kutlu, who is still a Turkish international. For the rest, the coach studied Atalanta well: he put Bani on Scamacca, Vasquez on De Ketelaere and Dragusin on Lookman, protecting Leali’s goal until a quarter of an hour from the end. Gilardino called up Badelj but preferred to give him another five days to return to top condition: his return to midfield together with Strootman is also of vital importance to give replacements to Thorsby and more options with the five substitutions».
The week is short with Salernitana already on Friday. «Genoa’s next matches will not be easy at all, it is precisely in these that the Griffin historically complicates his life. It will take twice the concentration to score three points. Salernitana isn’t having a great moment, but they have found Dia again, whose goals are decisive for their progress. Mister Gilardino doesn’t know if he will be able to recover Retegui: Genoa plays better with the native striker who, as the great number nines teach, helps the team not only in terms of scoring. I am happy for the debut in Serie A of Seydou Fini and Vogliacco: I am sure that the defender, among the absolute protagonists of the promotion, will also have an important role in the top flight».
Alessandro Legnazzi and Beppe Nuti
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