Atalanta beats Genoa in the 94th minute with a goal by Hien , but what a game for De Rossi 's team: reduced to 10 men in the 3rd minute after the expulsion of goalkeeper Leali , the Genoese team held the field, repeatedly putting Atalanta in difficulty and creating many chances.
On the other hand, a lackluster Atalanta struggled to make an impact, partly due to Lookman 's absence because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The standings, however, smile again at the Dea, which since Palladino's arrival has always scored and is climbing towards the top of the standings: ninth position and only 3 points away from the positions valid for European qualifications.
Thorsby's injury is concerning, forced to stay on the field despite his shoulder coming out to avoid leaving Genoa with 9 players at the end of the match.
Another expulsion of a goalkeeper in the opening minutes of a Serie A match: after Udinese was reduced to 10 against Fiorentina due to Okoye's red card, it's Genoa's turn to have their goalkeeper sent off and remain with 10 men after just 2'52" against Atalanta.
Norton-Cuffy's error sends Daniel Maldini on a breakaway, Leali attempts a desperate intervention and brings down the Atalanta player, receiving a red card for DOGSO in the 3rd minute, leaving Genoa with one less player for practically the entire match.
Sommariva enters the goal, with De Rossi removing Aaron Martin to keep both his forwards on the field, in a decision similar to the one made by Runjaic against Fiorentina.
This is one of the fastest expulsions in Serie A history: the record for the fastest expulsion of a starting player belongs to De Sciglio , who in 2015, wearing the Milan jersey against Napoli , saw red after just 42 seconds.
Daniel Maldini continues to be a thorn in the side of Genoa's defense: at the 22nd minute, his penetration into the area is stopped with a foul. It seems like a penalty, but the contact occurred just outside the area.
In stoppage time, a great recovery by Vasquez saves the ball practically on the line with De Ketelaere behind him: a decisive intervention to keep the score goalless at the end of the first half, after 45 minutes fought by both teams despite the disparity in players on the field.
Vasquez himself had created Genoa's best chance in the first half, with a dangerous header for Carnesecchi .
Genoa starts the second half with their foot on the accelerator: Norton-Cuffy breaks through on the wing with his physical dominance and puts the ball in the middle.
Vitinha's shot astonishingly hits the outer post: a great opportunity for the rossoblù.
Controversy in the 73rd minute for a handball by Genoa's Marcandalli in the penalty area, as Sulemana tries to get past him. The ball hits the defender's side, then his arm.
For the referee, it's not a penalty: arm attached to the body and in a natural position. The action is allowed to continue without VAR intervention.
Atalanta predictable and struggling to make the decisive move: the best chance comes in the 71st minute with De Ketelaere, a left-footed volley, but the ball grazes the post. Genoa, on the other hand, is dangerous in the 76th minute with a header by Colombo: a spectacular save by Carnesecchi to avert the danger.
At the end of the match, Genoa protests, asking for a penalty, but the referee shows a yellow card to Thorsby for simulation: however, the player gets injured in the fall and is forced to leave the field.
A big problem for the rossoblù who have used up their substitution slots, despite having made only 4: the risk is that De Rossi's team will be left with 9 players on the field.
Thorsby grits his teeth and returns to the field despite his shoulder being dislocated.
The decisive goal comes in the 94th minute, from a set piece: corner taken by Zalewski , Sommariva's failed exit, who is anticipated by Hien returning after missing the Cagliari match due to illness.
A cruel goal for a Genoa that had held the field excellently for 90 minutes despite being outnumbered, repeatedly putting Atalanta in difficulty.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
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