Manolo Gabbiadini’s brace and Francesco Caputo’s tap-in secured three points for Sampdoria in the Derby della Lanterna against Genoa on Friday night, as Mattia Destro returned with a goal for the home side.
Genoa and Sampdoria face each other after a special week and the circumstances have recently changed at both sides.
The Blucerchiati seemed set to part ways with Roberto D’Aversa, but the coach is still in charge, as President Massimo Ferrero was arrested when he travelled to Milan for the negotiations with Dejan Stankovic.
Genoa have changed owners since the last Derby della Lanterna and Andriy Shevchenko has replaced Davide Ballardini.
The Grifone were still looking for their first win since changing coach and it was supposed to be the game of redemption for the Rossoblu.
But Sampdoria went ahead in the first half, as Manolo Gabbiadini scored the opening goal after only eight minutes with a great header.
He forced Salvatore Sirigu into a full stretch and the European Champion didn’t manage to keep the attempt out, as he pushed it into the side netting.
The Blucerchiati had immediately shook off the rust that could be felt after the events that occurred this week.
Antonio Candreva delivered a great ball to Gabbiadini, who did well to beat Sirigu with a determined header.
Genoa were still struggling after the goal, as Samp continued to play for the three points and to build on their early lead.
Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby came close twice and Francesco Caputo had a chance from a tight angle.
The chances faded towards the end of the first half and Gabbiadini separated the two after the first 45 minutes.
Genoa came out with more determined and had the first big chance of the second half, but didn’t manage to test Emil Audero in the Blucerchiati goal.
But it was the away team that doubled their lead as Candreva’s finish from the right was stopped by Sirigu, but the rebound fell at Caputo’s feet and the former Sassuolo striker tapped it into the back of the net.
Genoa’s positive start was quickly cancelled by Sampdoria’s second of the night and D’Aversa’s men showed great spirit to secure a win against the relegation-threatened local rivals.
The long through ball finds Caputo, who beats the offside trap and cuts inside from the left. He pulls it back to Gabbiadini.
The author of the first goal gets a lucky deflection as Genoa’s defence are desperate to stop the attempt, but it only helps the ball fly past Sirigu in goal.
Sampdoria dominated for most of the night and strook when the opportunities arose, humiliating their local rivals in the first Derby della Lanterna of 2021-22.
The goal was actually not awarded to Gabbiadini before he had been subbed off, as he was replaced by Valerio Verre immediately after scoring.
Not bad scoring a goal after you’ve been subbed 😅
Nice moment for Manolo Gabbiadini being awarded the goal after coming off, this one’s coming to a pub quiz near you! 📝 pic.twitter.com/DHSi1nj3TR
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2021
Mattia Destro had been subbed on after 57 minutes returning from injury and the striker reduced the deficit after 77 minutes, giving the Rossoblu some hope.
Genoa continued to push, while Sampdoria counterattacked and had an effort hit the upright. Manolo Portanova called for a penalty when Albin Ekdal chested down a loose ball in the area and the Swede reacted with anger to the desperate calls.
Genoa were showing determination and refused to give up in the final minutes and came closer and closer, pushing Sampdoria inside their own box.
Paolo Ghiglione was booked for diving inside the opponents’ area and Daniele Doveri had no doubt in his mind when pulling out the card.
There were some chaotic final minutes, when Omar Colley went down when Destro put his hand on the defender’s neck, but the referee managed to keep things calm.
Valerio Verre came on a great solo run, looking to combine with Caputo to make it four, but Stefano Sturaro brought him down and was awarded a yellow card.
It still provided some peace for the Samp defence, who had been fighting to keep the two-goal lead. The attempt from Candreva from long range was stopped by Sirigu, who punched it away.
Chaos erupted in stoppages when the players clashed after flares were thrown onto the pitch from the stands, while the Samp players were already celebrating in the dugout by dancing.
Sampdoria managed to hold on and picked up a big win after a difficult week and gave Shevchenko further headache after yet another game without points for the Grifone.