It took six games, but Andriy Shevchenko finally found his first victory as a Genoa coach, even though it was “only” a Coppa Italia match. The Grifone overcame Salernitana with a lone goal from Caleb Ekuban in the league cup Second Round on Tuesday night. Genoa thus advanced to the Round of 16 where they will face Milan between January 12 and 19.
Earlier in the day, two more Coppa Italia games were played that offered no surprises. Udinese had no problems in brushing aside a Crotone team that is battling to avoid relegation from Serie B to the third division. The Friulani won 4-0 with goals from Ignacio Pussetto, Sebastian De Maio, Isaac Success and then Pussetto again. Their next Coppa Italia test will also be in January and will oppose them to Lazio.
Venezia defeated Serie B side Ternana 3-1 to also book their ticket to the Round of 16, where they will face Atalanta. At the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, the Lagunari took the lead with Daan Heymans but saw veteran striker Stefano Pettinari draw level for the Rossoverdi almost immediately.
Goals from Domen Crnigoj and Francesco Forte got the job done for Paolo Zanetti’s side, who wrapped another convincing performance after holding Juventus to a draw last Saturday.