Genoa Defeats Ascoli 4-1 to Advance in Coppa Italia, Thanks to Baldanzi's Brilliance

Daniele De Rossi's Genoa triumphed over Ascoli with a 4-1 scoreline, earning a spot in the Coppa Italia round of 32. They will now compete against Südtirol for a chance to face defending champions Inter in the round of 16 at San Siro. Ascoli initially took the lead in the 25th minute with a goal from Silipo, but Genoa responded with goals from Marcandalli (42nd minute), Baldanzi (45th minute), Colombo (61st minute), and Havel (80th minute).

Genoa's Strong Start; Silipo Temporarily Fools Ascoli

Genoa began the match with high intensity, driven by inspired play from Baldanzi. The former Roma attacking midfielder tested the goalkeeper with a left-footed shot after a pass from Frendrup, followed by a header. In between, a shot from Mitaj went wide. Mitaj himself then tested the Ascoli goalkeeper again at Baldanzi's invitation, adding to Genoa's list of dangerous opportunities in a seemingly one-sided affair. The home team continued their onslaught with offensive sorties from Vítinha and Ellertsson, further solidifying Genoa's dominance. However, Ascoli unexpectedly took the lead in the 25th minute when Silipo, set up by D'Uffizi, slotted the ball under the crossbar, a cold shower for the Grifone.

Marcandalli and Baldanzi Turn the Tide; Genoa Leads Ascoli 2-1 at Halftime

Tomei and the newly promoted Serie B side Ascoli dreamt of a major upset, but Genoa remained composed and equalized in the 42nd minute through Marcandalli. He scored a winning header from a corner kick taken by Mitaj. Fueled by this momentum, the go-ahead goal came just three minutes later, scored by Baldanzi himself. Norton-Cuffy provided the assist; Baldanzi controlled the ball, cut inside onto his left foot, and fired a shot that kissed the post before finding the net. This marked his first goal for Genoa. The teams went into halftime with Genoa leading 2-1.

Colombo Secures the Win; Havel Seals the Deal: Genoa 4-1 Ascoli

Upon resumption, Vitinha attempted to seal the victory but was unsuccessful. Colombo then extended Genoa's lead in the 61st minute with a precise finish from the center of the penalty area, assisted by Frendrup. Colombo narrowly missed scoring a second goal shortly after. Substitutions disrupted the game's rhythm, and energy levels began to dip. However, it was a combination of two substitutes that led to the fourth goal. Waife delivered a cross, and Havel finished clinically with a tap-in: 4-1 in the 80th minute. The final minutes were largely a formality. Havel missed an opportunity to make it five, but it mattered little. Genoa secured the win, De Rossi advances, and Ascoli is eliminated.