On March 14, 2025, Genoa faced Lecce at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, kicking off at 20:45 local time. This match marked the opening of Matchday 29 in Serie A, with both teams having distinct priorities. Genoa aimed to distance themselves from the relegation zone, currently standing twelfth with 32 points, whereas Lecce found themselves precariously positioned above the relegation line with only 25 points, just three points above the danger zone.
The match commenced with high stakes for both sides. Genoa had shown signs of improvement, having recently secured draws against Empoli and Cagliari, but faced several player absences due to injury. Coach Alexander Vieira had to navigate these challenges without key players like Bani, Thorsby, and Vitinha, among others. Despite these setbacks, the return of Malinovskyi offered Genoa some solace. Fabio Miretti was poised to take on greater responsibility, possibly adapting to different roles on the pitch as he had performed well lately.
On the other side, Lecce was desperate for points after having only managed two points from their last five matches. The previous encounter against AC Milan had ended unfavorably for them, losing 2-3 after leading with twenty minutes to spare. Coach Marco Giampaolo recognized the urgency for his squad to turn things around, relying heavily on Nikola Krstovic's goal-scoring capabilities as the team aimed for salvation.
With the stakes set, the match began energetically. It was Genoa's Fabio Miretti who drew first blood, scoring the opening goal at the 16th minute with a well-placed shot from the center of the box. The 19-year-old midfielder, buoyed by the home crowd's support, struck again just before halftime at the 45'+2 minute mark, extending Genoa's lead to 2-0.
Despite the growing deficit, Lecce did not crumble. They managed to create several scoring opportunities but struggled with their execution. Their persistence paid off when they earned a penalty at the 68th minute after Genoa's Alan Matturro was penalized for handling the ball inside the box. Krstovic, called upon to step up, converted the penalty kick, drawing Lecce closer with the score now 2-1.
Following the Lecce goal, the momentum seemed to shift. The visitors increased their intensity, pushing forward as they sought the equalizer. Krstovic was particularly active, threatening the Genoa defense repeatedly. Lecce's efforts unsettled Genoa, who had to rely on their defensive acumen and the skills of their goalie to hold onto their lead.
Yellow cards began piling up as frustration mounted; several players from both teams received cautions throughout the match. Johan Vásquez of Genoa, Krstovic, and Medon Berisha of Lecce were all booked for various infractions during the heated exchanges between players.
Despite several late attempts from Lecce, including close efforts from Jesper Karlsson and Danilo Veiga, the home team maintained their composure. The match concluded with Genoa triumphing over Lecce 2-1, clinching three valuable points. The victory was integral for Genoa as they aimed to solidify their standing and avoid relegation.
After the match, Vieira expressed satisfaction with his player's performance, acknowledging the team's resilience in overcoming their injury challenges. Meanwhile, Giampaolo lamented Lecce's missed opportunities, reiterizing the need for his team to adapt their approach moving forward.
This matchup not only showcased the competitive nature of Serie A but also underscored the battle for survival as teams grapple with their positions toward the end of the season. With this win, Genoa takes another step toward securing their safety, whereas Lecce faces increasing pressure as they continue their struggle to stay afloat.