Sammarco laments Verona’s struggles at home after Genoa defeat

VERONA, Italy – Hellas Verona manager Paolo Sammarco expressed his frustration following his team’s 2-0 defeat to Genoa on Sunday, a result that further complicates their fight against relegation in the 2025/26 Serie A season. The loss at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi marked a setback for Verona, particularly after their recent victory over Bologna.

“The performance certainly wasn’t the same as against Bologna,” Sammarco said after the match, as reported by multiple sources. “Genoa deserves credit for that. The first half was balanced, but their goal shifted the momentum. I asked for more courage, more desire to push forward. They have good ball control, and unfortunately, we couldn’t build on our performance from last week.”

Genoa’s clinical finishing proves decisive

Vitinha and Leo Ostigard scored the goals for Genoa, capitalizing on Verona’s shortcomings. Sammarco acknowledged that his attacking players struggled to make an impact. “Bowie and Sarr didn’t have a great game, and our forwards were the ones who had the most difficulty,” he stated. “With Sarr, we wanted to attempt and disrupt things a bit, and he has played as a winger in the past.”

The defeat highlights a concerning trend for Verona: a distinct inability to secure victories on their home turf. This “mal di Bentegodi” – a phrase used to describe Verona’s struggles at home – is a major source of concern for Sammarco and the club’s supporters. “It’s difficult to explain,” Sammarco admitted. “We prepare for the games in the same way, whether we’re at home or away. I don’t think it’s an environmental factor as the fans supported us until the end today. It’s difficult, but we have to be stronger than everything and bounce back.”

Injury concerns and tactical adjustments

Sammarco also addressed the fitness levels of key players Rafik Belghali and Tomas Suslov. Both players have recently returned from injuries, and Sammarco tempered expectations regarding their immediate impact. “Was I expecting more from Belghali or Suslov? The game plan was to be cautious in the first half, and we could have done more in the second. Belghali is coming off a two-month injury, and Suslov is also returning from a serious knee injury.”

The manager explained his decision to substitute Oyegoke with Belghali in the second half, acknowledging the necessitate for fresh legs and Belghali’s qualities. However, he also noted Belghali’s recent lack of playing time. “After a blocked first half, I had Oyegoke cautioned and tried to bring on Belghali, knowing his qualities. It must be said that he had been out for two months.”

Lack of quality in the final third

Sammarco pinpointed a lack of quality in the final third as a key reason for the defeat. “We lacked quality in the last 30 meters, that’s where we struggled,” he said. “We don’t hide from the reality of the league standings. We have an obligation and a duty to perform.”

The loss to Genoa represents a significant blow to Verona’s survival hopes. The team currently finds itself in a precarious position in the Serie A table, and securing points, particularly at home, is crucial for their chances of avoiding relegation. The team’s inability to replicate their away form at the Bentegodi is a puzzle Sammarco is desperately trying to solve.

For Verona, the focus now shifts to their next fixture as they appear to address their issues and climb out of the relegation zone. The team will need to rediscover their form and find a way to convert their possession into goals if they are to have any chance of securing their Serie A status for another season. The pressure is mounting, and Sammarco knows his team must respond quickly.

Next up for Verona is a trip to [Next Opponent and Date – *information not available in provided sources*].

What do you think Verona needs to do to turn things around at home? Share your thoughts in the comments below.