Juventus suffered a 2-0 defeat against Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in the ninth round of Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s side failed to build on their victory against Lecce, instead delivering another disappointing performance that once again raised questions about the team’s consistency and defensive stability.
The hosts established a decisive advantage in the first half, with goals from Kingsley Ehizibue and Tommaso Baldanzi. Juventus attempted to change the course of the match after the break through substitutions and tactical adjustments, but failed to produce the desired response.
Baldanzi Set Genoa in Motion, Ehizibue Punished Juventus
Genoa showed greater determination from the very beginning. Following the hosts’ opening attempts, the breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute.
Baldanzi moved towards the left flank and sent the ball across the penalty area, where Ehizibue made his run and finished first time to beat Vicario.
Juventus were forced to chase the game early, while the goal further boosted the confidence of Daniele De Rossi’s team.
Kalulu’s Mistake Opened the Door for the Second Goal
Another blow arrived just before the half-hour mark. Kalulu, despite initially having the advantage in reaching the ball, allowed Vitinha to take possession. The Genoa forward entered the penalty area and attempted to finish the move, but following a rebound, the ball fell to Baldanzi.
His first-time effort, which took a deflection, ended up behind Vicario to make it 2-0. The hosts capitalised on Juventus’ defensive uncertainty and turned it into a commanding advantage.
Juventus Failed to Produce a Real Response Before Half-Time
The Bianconeri attempted to threaten their opponents but struggled to establish control of the game. Alajbegović’s effort was stopped by Bijlow, while Gatti sent a header wide of the goal.
At the other end, Osmajić threatened following a long clearance from the Genoa goalkeeper. Kalulu had an opportunity to reduce the deficit before the break, but his effort from a good position went wide. Juventus headed into half-time trailing by two goals.
Spalletti Turned to Substitutions in Search of a Reaction
At half-time, Woltemade and Zhegrova replaced Gatti and Alajbegović. Spalletti changed the team’s formation before also introducing Cabal and Boga in place of Cambiaso and Adzic.
McKennie attempted a shot that was blocked, Bremer sent a header over the crossbar, while a scramble following a Kolo Muani run failed to produce a finishing opportunity. The more attacking approach did not change the scoreline.
Genoa Exposed Juventus’ Defensive Uncertainty Once Again
The defeat represents another step backwards for Juventus following their success in Lecce. An early goal conceded, mistakes in possession and a lack of attacking effectiveness defined a difficult evening for the Bianconeri.
Ahead of their clash with Napoli, Spalletti once again faces the challenge of finding a solution that will allow his team to combine defensive stability with a greater attacking threat.
GENOA – JUVENTUS 2-0 (2-0)
Goals: Ehizibue 12’, Baldanzi 29’.
Genoa: Bijlow; Ehizibue, Marcandalli, Østigård, Vásquez; Frendrup, Amorim; Baldanzi (70’ Messias), Vitinha (70’ Maehle), Ellertsson (41’ Mitaj); Osmajić.
Manager: Daniele De Rossi.
Juventus: Vicario; Gatti (46’ Woltemade), Bremer, Lucumí; Kalulu, McKennie, Douglas Luiz, Adzic (59’ Boga), Cambiaso (59’ Cabal); Alajbegović (46’ Zhegrova); Kolo Muani.
Manager: Luciano Spalletti.
