In the Northwest of Spain Genoa did win the first serious friendly of this season. By goals of Pratto and Palacio the team of Malesani ended the first half with an advantage of 2-0. After the break Sporting Gijon (Primera Division) was furious to try to convince their own supporters 1 week before the championship in Spain starts. Our defense leaded by Sebastien Frey could resist the Spanish storm and had to take a goal only once when our captain Marco Rossi scored in his own goal in the 72nd minute: 1-2. The next important match is Sunday 21st August in Luigi Ferraris against Nocerina in the 3rd round of Coppa Italia. Maybe our central forward in this match will be Italian international Alberto Gilardino who is close to a transfer from Fiorentina to Genoa to join his former teammates Dainelli and Frey.