Serie A is back! Inter kicked-off the latest edition of Il Campionato piú bello del mondo away to Genoa. an entertaining draw was played out at Stadio Luigi Ferraris that ended 2-2 and saw the champions held courtesy of some V.A.R. drama
It took a few minutes for this one to get going but when it did we were treated to an entertaining first half full of incident.
Inter pushed bodies forward and Genoa waited for the moment to pounce. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez have struck up a fruitful partnership in the past few years and they started 2024-25 off on the right foot.
Both Sides Exchange Blows
‘Thu-La’ exchanged loads of passes and Thuram tested Pierluigi Gollini from the edge of the box early on. The Nerazzurri looked to be building a head of steam but were caught out by a set piece from their hosts.
Yann Sommer in nets for Inter didn’t cover himself in glory when, with 20 minutes on the clock he let a looping header bounce of his crossbar and back into play. The Swiss ‘keeper stumbled and Genoa defender Alessandro Vogliacco reacted quickest to poke into an empty net. A packed Luigi Ferraris stadium sang their hearts out.
This setback for Inter came completely against the run of play but they reacted with the calmness you’d expect from reigning champions. Within ten minutes they were level through Thuram.
Naively, half an hour in, Genoa gave star midfielder Nicolo Barella enough time to switch on his radar and land a cross right on the Frenchman’s head with pinpoint accuracy. He soared through the air and planted his header past a flatfooted Gollini.
A nice period of dominance followed for Inzaghi’s men who thought they had a penalty ten minutes before the break. Federico Dimarco found Thuram in the box who tried to get a shot away on the turn but instead went through Genoa Captain Milan Badelj. Both went down and the referee pointed to the spot. He was ushered to the V.A.R. monitor. On second look he reversed the call.
Genoa were a side that needed half time, their play was littered with shaky moments at the back. The worst coming when their goalscorer Vogliacco gave the ball to Bisseck in his own box. The 23 year old’s shot bounced back to Martínez, Gollini parried and finally Milan Badelj headed Dimarco’s shot clear. The Grifone just about made it to half time breathless but level.
Second Half
Inter came out with tenacity after the break and even had the ball in the net on 50 minutes. Dimarco slotted home from Matteo Darmian’s one touch pass but was flagged for offside. It was a sign of things to come.
Genoa were under intense pressure but managing to resist. They caught the Nerazzurri with some quick counters and free kicks but were extremely wasteful from these opportunities. Alberto Gilardino was determined not to let this one get away so brought on Morten Thorsby and Stefano Sabelli among a raft of changes made by both managers.
It looked as if Genoa had used up all their luck when, with six minutes left to play Thuram struck again. Inter showed how deadly they can be in attack in a quick move. Substitute Davide Fratessi set his teammate up on a plate. From 6 yards Thuram remained composed and chipped the diving Gollini effortlessly.
V.A.R. Drama Sees Champions Held
On the other hand Genoa lacked any composure in front of goal. Swiping at chances or smashing shots over was the order of the day. After another disappointing effort the crowd made their disquiet known. Normally you don’t get many chances versus the champions but the fact remains that you only need one to score and change a game completely.
Six minutes of injury time were announced but we played to almost 100 minutes. In the second added minute the Rossoblu faithful were up in arms over a perceived penalty. Feliciani waved it away but again made the trip to his pitch side monitor to review. Bisseck had attempted to head a ball clear but in doing so knocked it onto his arm which was raised. The debate is sure to rage on about this one but the defender’s hand was up and it did change the flight of the ball.
Junior Messias stepped up to take the all important kick. One that could give his side a massive confidence boost to start their campaign.
He went straight down the middle. Yann Sommer left a hand behind and denied him, but it bounced straight back to the Brazilian who made no mistake second time round. The former fridge delivery man will be thanking his lucky stars tonight.
Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and V.A.R. drama, along the way. While it’s a long road ahead Genoa will see this as the perfect place to start.
MATCH SCORECARD
August 17, 2024 – Serie A, Matchday 1
Inter 2-2 Genoa
Scorers: 20′ Vogliacco, 30′, 84′ Thuram, 90+2′ Messias (P)
Genoa (3-5-2): Gollini; Vogliacco, Bani, De Winter, Freudrup, Badelj (86′ Ekhator) Zanoli (71′ Sabelli), Malinovskyi (71′ Thorsby), Martin, Messias, Oliviera Coach: Gilardino
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Bisseck, Dimarco (75′ Augusto), Mkhitaryan (66′ Fratessi), Çalhanoglu (75′ Taremi), Barella, Darmian (66′ Dumfries), Thuram, Martínez (86′ Asllani) Coach: Inzaghi
REFEREE: Mr.Feliciani
NOTES:
Yellow Cards: Mkhitaryan, Gollini, Asllani
Added time: First half ‘4, Second half ‘6