Month: April 2009

What a great season 2008-2009 ! After 3 draws in San Siro, home-victories against Milan, Roma and Sampdoria, the historical victory after 35 years in Cagliari also today Genoa wrote history. For the second time ever and the first time in 37 years Genoa booked a victory in Stadio Granillo in Reggina: 0-1.

At the moment the match started Fiorentina was on the fourth place in the standings after their victory (again in the last minute) in Bergamo against Atalanta, so Genoa had to win to take back the Champions-league position. Because of injuries Mr. Gasperini had to start without Milito (stayed in Genova) and Motta (on the bench), two of our most important players this season. After Genoa missed several big chances to open the score in the 68th minute our coach changed the team and the tactics by substituting central-forward Ruben Olivera by playmaker Thiago Motta. As often the tactical change of Gasperini was brilliant, especially because within 10 minutes Motta scored the only goal after a great cross of Palladino. In the minutes after the goal Genoa frooze the match and goalkeeper Rubinho hardly never was in danger to keep his goal clean for the third time in a row.

Tomorrow at the 30th playround of Serie A Genoa plays 1191 kilometers away in the deep South of Italy against the number last of the standings: Reggina. Despite the position of Reggina it will be a very difficult match, because Genoa did win only once (1972-1973) in the 14 played matches in Reggio Calabria. Our trainer Mr. Gasperini selected the following 19 players that will have the support of 400 Genoa-supporters who leave the Capital of Ligurië later tonight by several coaches and a special train:

Goalkeepers: Lamanna, Rubinho

Defenders: Biava, Bocchetti, Criscito, Ferrari, Sokratis

Midfielders: Costantini, Juric, Mesto, Milanetto, Modesto, Thiago Motta, Vanden Borre

Strikers: El Shaarawy, Jankovic, Olivera, Palladino, Sculli

Within the selection of 19 players are 3 youngsters: Lamanna, Constantini and El Shaarawy who misses the Primavera-derby tomorrow. Also Thiago Motta flew with the team towards Reggio Calabria but it still is dubious if the Brasilian can play tomorrow in the team that misses banned Marco Rossi and the injured: Scarpi, Paro and Milito.