Patrick Vieira’s managerial debut for Genoa ended in disappointment as Roberto Piccoli’s late penalty earned Cagliari a 2-2 draw, leaving the hosts still searching for their first home Serie A win of the season after eight attempts.
The match marked the beginning of a new era at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with Vieira taking over as head coach, replacing Alberto Gilardino. The Frenchman’s first game in charge got off to a rough start when Genoa conceded just eight minutes in. Morten Thorsby was penalized for handball in the box, and Răzvan Marin confidently converted the penalty, sending Cagliari keeper Nicola Leali the wrong way.
However, Genoa responded quickly, leveling the score in the 12th minute. Morten Frendrup capitalized on a poorly defended long throw into the box, firing a first-time strike past Alen Sherri to mark the first goal of Vieira’s managerial tenure. The home side began to find their rhythm, with Fabio Miretti nearly setting up Thorsby after a sublime pass from Milan Badelj, only for the cross-shot to narrowly miss its target. As the first half neared its end, Cagliari looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Gianluca Gaetano being denied by a brilliant save from Leali after Piccoli set him up.
The second half continued in similar frantic fashion. Leali was nearly caught out when his attempted clearance was intercepted, but he redeemed himself with another great save to deny Gaetano. Moments later, Genoa took the lead for the first time in the match. Thorsby evaded Sebastiano Luperto’s challenge on the right wing and delivered a perfect cross that Fabio Miretti expertly finished, scoring his first goal for the club.
Thorsby, aside from his early handball, had a strong performance and came close to scoring himself, firing a left-footed effort just wide. Genoa looked set to take all three points, but Cagliari had Leali to thank for keeping the deficit at one, with a strong one-handed stop to deny Andrea Pinamonti. As the game seemed to be slipping away from the visitors, the referee pointed to the spot after Mattia Bani was controversially penalized for a challenge on Piccoli. Piccoli made no mistake from the penalty spot, securing the equalizer for Cagliari.
The drama didn’t end there, as a potential red card for Nicolas Viola’s foul on Badelj was downgraded to yellow following a VAR review.
The draw leaves Cagliari in 15th place and Genoa in 16th, with both teams having earned two wins, five draws, and six losses so far this season. If this match is any indication, Vieira’s tenure at Genoa promises to be filled with plenty of drama.
