Italian League:Criscito late penalty goal secures win for Genoa over Juventus
Domenico Criscito celebrates his goal for Genoa against Juventus, Serie A football match between Genoa and Juventus on May 6, 2022 at the Luigi-Ferraris stadium in Genoa. Image credit: Getty Images
Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Serie A – Genoa 2 (Gudmundsson 87′, Criscito 90′) Juventus 1 (Dybala 48′)
By Eagle Eye News24
An injury-time penalty from Domenico Criscito fired relegation-threatened Genoa to a 2-1 win over Juventus.
Genoa trailed with three minutes left on the clock, but Albert Gudmundsson drew them level and Criscito fired home from the spot deep in injury time for three points as they battle to avoid the drop.
After a slow start to the half with Juventus controlling the majority of the possession, Genoa gradually grew into the game towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.
The best chance of the half fell to striker Mattia Destro, who headed a corner over from close-range.
Wojciech Szczesny, who had little to do in the first 40 minutes, found himself called into action three times as the first half drew to a close, giving Genoa confidence going into the second period.
Destro continued to prove problematic, and forced a strong save out of Szczesny on the stroke of half time after a speculative long-range effort was beaten away by the Poland international.
Genoa had another chance through Destro 60 seconds into the second half, but after meeting a fizzed delivery across the box, blazed his first-time effort over the bar.
Two minutes later Juventus took the lead through Paulo Dybala, who scored his ninth goal against Genoa in spectacular fashion. He picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and crafted a pinpoint strike towards the far post, before nestling into the bottom left corner.
Juventus were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when substitute Marley Ake was fouled by Gudmundsson, but a quick VAR check showed he got enough of the ball for the referee to overturn the decision.
Minutes later Gudmundsson levelled the score with a neat finish beyond Szczesny.
The host’s were awarded a penalty deep into injury-time, which was dispatched by club captain Criscito to complete the comeback and earn a valuable three points for Genoa.
With two games remaining, Genoa have hope in the battle to stay up.
