There were tears from both teams after a dramatic finale to the Derby della Lanterna, as Domenico Criscito’s penalty was saved by Emil Audero.
This was not just a local rivalry, but also a relegation dogfight between two clubs in serious trouble this season.
Abdelhamid Sabiri had given Sampdoria the 1-0 lead and it was all put into doubt during six minutes of stoppages when Genoa received a penalty for Alex Ferrari’s handling offence.
Genoa legend Criscito stepped up and saw the spot-kick parried by Audero, sealing the 1-0 result.
Serie A | Sampdoria 1-0 Genoa: Dramatic Derby della Lanterna
Even before the final whistle, Criscito was utterly inconsolable and in floods of tears, with both his teammates and the Sampdoria players trying to reassure him.
Audero also crumbled when the score was confirmed, collapsing to his knees, sobbing and kissing the gloves that had saved the penalty.
“Regardless of club colours, I know absolutely what he’s feeling. In those moments, it’s either me or you. I understand it,” Audero told DAZN.
Criscito had been expected to leave for an MLS move in January or February, but reportedly opted to stay so he could help Genoa retain their Serie A status.
The 35-year-old spent much of his career with the Grifone, first joining their youth academy in 2002, with some co-ownership spells at Juventus, going to Zenit St Petersburg in 2011 and returning in 2018.
Criscito had converted all five penalties taken in Serie A this season, while Audero had not been able to save any he faced.
This was only the third spot-kick in Criscito’s entire career that he failed to convert, the others both for Genoa in the 2019-20 campaign.
Devastante. Sicuro un epilogo immeritato per Mimmo Criscito. Una delle pagine più crudeli del calcio italiano #SampdoriaGenoa pic.twitter.com/69h4EYZuBO
— Roland Orgoglio Clivense (@RolandVDMerry) April 30, 2022