a very expected draw to Bologna

By: j | November 30th, 2008

As per the match preview, as expected Bologna’s new manager Siniša Mihajlović lead his side in a brilliant tactical plan as they fought to a 1-1 draw, ending Genoa’s dominance at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. In truth this was likely the first match of the campaign that Genoa underestimated their opposition and tactically erred. Certainly the heavy rainfall had an impact upon the match and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side failed to recognize the need to adjust style of play and tactics. This was not the day to be expecting long flourishing runs and many of Genoa’s efforts failed to get even near the finishing stage because of this.

The visiting Bologna side showed a great deal of patience before the break, allowed significant space to Genoa, knowing full well that most of their passing would need to be either very short or get slowed considerably in sloppy pitch. It was the appropriate defensive approach and allowed them to either prey upon unforced errors or counter-attack on over commitment. The match went to the break scoreless but the handwriting was on the wall and Gian Piero Gasperini brought in Andrea Gasbarroni for Raffaele Palladino for the restart. Ten minutes after the break Andrea’s cross to Giuseppe Sculli in the area was headed crisply to the back of the goal. With the goal advantage on a dreadfully problematic pitch, I expected a formation changed and the introduction of Boško Janković with a greater emphasis of tying up the midfield but it wasn’t to come and Genoa paid for the tactical miscue. Eight minutes later a clearly more aggressive Bologna side found the leveling goal as ex Genoa men reacquainted themselves with their former club as Adaílton’s cross to Marco Di Vaio was redirected into the net. Both clubs came close as the match wound down but without success and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Genoa’s returns to Seria A action next week in an exciting derby against Sampdoria.