Genoa secured a compelling 2:1 victory over Lecce on March 14, 2025, during the 29th round of the Italian Serie A at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. This match marked a significant moment for the home team, especially for midfielder Ruslan Malinovsky, who made his return to the starting lineup after recovering from an injury sustained last September.
Malinovsky's influence was palpable as he played a pivotal role, assisting both goals scored by Fabio Miretti. The first goal came at the 16th minute when Malinovsky delivered a precise pass to Miretti, allowing him to find the back of the net effortlessly. Just before halftime, at 45+2 minutes, Malinovsky struck again, setting up Miretti for another impressive goal, this time with Miretti's shot finding the left corner of the net.
Despite Genoa's dominance, Lecce managed to make the game tense when Nikola Krstovic scored from the penalty spot at the 68th minute, reducing Genoa's lead. This goal, unfortunately, did not reflect the team's overall performance, as Lecce suffered their fourth loss in succession.
Following the match, Genoa’s coach Patrick Vieira praised Malinovsky's performance, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to the team both offensively and defensively. Malinovsky was substituted out at the 56th minute, having made his comeback to competitive football palpable, earning admiration from fans and critics alike for his effort and skill.
After this match, Genoa stands at 12th place on the Serie A table with 35 points, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back after previous setbacks. Conversely, Lecce finds themselves precariously positioned at 16th place with 25 points, now just three points clear of the relegation zone, raising concerns about their survival as the season progresses.
The upcoming fixtures present challenges for both teams. Genoa will face Juventus on March 29, 2025, hoping to maintain momentum, whereas Lecce will host Roma, needing to seek confidence and reversing their current losing streak.
This match illustrated not only the high stakes of Serie A competition but also the personal stories within it, such as Malinovsky's inspiring comeback after injury. While the victory provides much-needed relief for Genoa fans, Lecce's struggles continue to put pressure on their squad as they battle to stay above the relegation zone.