This live blog captured all the unfolding drama from Serie A Week 2, featuring four pivotal matches: Genoa vs Juventus, Torino vs Fiorentina, Inter vs Udinese, and Lazio vs Verona. The afternoon fixtures saw Juventus make a challenging visit to Patrick Vieira`s Genoa, while Torino hosted Fiorentina, who were eager to recover from a significant 5-0 defeat against Inter in the previous week. Later in the evening, Inter, boosted by the return of Hakan Calhanoglu, welcomed Udinese, and Maurizio Sarri`s Lazio faced Verona under considerable pressure to perform.
Match Summaries & Key Moments
Genoa vs Juventus (Final Score: Genoa 0 – 1 Juventus)
The match between Genoa and Juventus was a tightly contested affair. Juventus eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Dusan Vlahovic, a player whose future at the club was reportedly uncertain, scored with a free header from a Kostic corner. Genoa’s zonal marking failed, leaving Vlahovic unmarked.
Earlier, Juventus had a massive missed opportunity at 70 minutes when Kean inexplicably headed a Gosens cross-shot *off the line and over* his own goal, though a foul was whistled. Genoa pushed for an equalizer, creating a significant chance in the 89th minute as Norton-Cuffy`s cross narrowly missed Thorsby`s tap-in. Substitutions were numerous, with Juventus bringing on Kostic, Koopmeiners, and Vlahovic, and Genoa introducing Malinovskyi and Thorsby, among others. Juventus managed to hold on for a narrow 1-0 victory.
Torino vs Fiorentina (Final Score: Torino 0 – 0 Fiorentina)
This encounter proved to be a goalless stalemate despite both teams creating opportunities. Torino threatened early with a Biraghi free-kick which Coco narrowly missed connecting with at 69 minutes. Fiorentina’s defense, particularly Dodo, showed smart play, cushioning a cross off his chest for a corner in the 89th minute. Gineitis had a promising position for Torino at 88 minutes but his attempt to lay off the ball was intercepted.
The game saw several tactical changes, with Torino introducing Gineitis, Lazaro, Tameze, and Aboukhlal, while Fiorentina brought on Ndour, Dzeko, and Fazzini. A yellow card was shown to Lazaro for fouling Dodo. Despite late efforts and added time, neither side could find the back of the net, ending the match in a 0-0 draw.
Inter vs Udinese (Upcoming Match)
Inter Milan, with the return of Hakan Calhanoglu, were set to host Udinese in one of the later kick-offs of Week 2. All eyes were on how the Nerazzurri would perform following their strong start to the season.
Lazio vs Verona (Upcoming Match)
Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, reportedly already feeling pressure after their initial results, were scheduled to face Verona. This match was crucial for Lazio to regain momentum and satisfy their demanding fanbase.
Lazio vs Verona Official Line-ups:
- Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Provstgaard, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Cancellieri, Castellanos, Zaccagni
- Verona: Montipò; Nuñez, Nelsson, Ebosse; Cham, Serdar, Bernede, Bradaric; Harroui; Giovane, Sarr