Zanoli Secures Crucial Win for Genoa as Udinese Slump Continues After Lucca Miss

The match at Marassi saw Genoa start brightly, pushing aggressively, particularly down the flanks. Despite controlling possession and showing more determination, clear-cut chances were initially scarce for the hosts, though Thorsby and Pinamonti had opportunities. Udinese struggled to find rhythm, appearing somewhat lethargic and failing to capitalize on counter-attacks. Lucca did find the net in the first half, but his goal was disallowed for a foul on defender De Winter.

The second half exploded into life within seconds as Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca inexplicably missed a golden chance, firing wide from close range with the goal gaping. This proved a pivotal moment. Genoa continued to press, and Vieira made changes, bringing on Onana for the injured Masini. The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute. Caleb Ekuban drove down the left, his cross took deflections off a defender and goalkeeper Okoye, falling kindly for Alessandro Zanoli who drilled a diagonal shot into the net. Notably, fantasy football managers were informed by Leghe Fantacalcio that Ekuban was not awarded an assist due to the significant deflections altering the ball's path.

Udinese thought they had salvaged a point deep into stoppage time when Rui Modesto scored, but VAR intervened, ruling Lucca offside in the build-up. Coach Patrick Vieira later stated, "It was a very difficult match, but the fans created this atmosphere that gives great confidence to the players... the goal came for the team that tried harder to win." Udinese coach Runjaic lamented Lucca's errors, noting he is young but needs to reduce fouls. The result marks Udinese's third straight loss, a worrying trend for the Friulani.

Genoa won 1-0.

Alessandro Zanoli scored for Genoa in the 79th minute.

Rui Modesto's stoppage-time goal was disallowed by VAR because teammate Lorenzo Lucca was in an offside position during the build-up.

No, according to Leghe Fantacalcio, significant deflections meant Ekuban was not credited with the assist.

Do you think Genoa has done enough to secure Serie A safety? Will Udinese turn their form around? Let us know your thoughts!

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