Udinese stunned Genoa with a late surge at the Luigi Ferraris, securing a 2-0 Serie A victory thanks to second-half goals from Jürgen Ekkelenkamp and Keinan Davis.
Genoa, sitting 13th in the Serie A standings, hoped to capitalize on their passionate home support and recent mixed form. Udinese, positioned two places higher in 11th, traveled to Liguria seeking to solidify their mid-table ambitions.
The first half saw Genoa dominate possession, controlling the ball for 63% of the opening period. Despite their territorial advantage, finding a clear path to goal proved challenging against a disciplined Udinese defense.
The visitors focused on tactical solidity, absorbing pressure and looking for opportunities on the break. Udinese’s Hassane Kamara received the match’s first yellow card in the 24th minute for a rough challenge, setting a physical tone.
Despite Genoa's efforts, Udinese goalkeeper made two crucial saves. Both teams went into the halftime interval with the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0, leaving the home crowd eager for more attacking impetus.
The second half began with Udinese making an early change, introducing Albert Atta. Genoa continued to press, but Udinese remained resolute, even as Nicolò Zaniolo picked up a yellow card in the 56th minute.
The breakthrough came for Udinese in the 66th minute. Jürgen Ekkelenkamp fired home, assisted by Zaniolo, silencing the home faithful and putting the visitors ahead against the run of play.
Genoa responded with a triple substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Vitinha, Leo Colombo, and Johan Vásquez to inject fresh attacking energy. The changes aimed to unlock Udinese's stubborn backline.
As Genoa pushed for an equalizer, the game became more stretched. Udinese committed a series of fouls, accumulating several yellow cards, including for Oumar Solet and Leif Miller in added time.
However, Udinese delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Keinan Davis secured all three points, scoring in the 90+6th minute to double their lead and seal a memorable away win.
The statistics painted a stark picture of efficiency. Udinese scored two goals from just six total shots, with four on target, and an xG of 1.19. In contrast, Genoa registered 17 shots but only hit the target twice, despite a higher xG of 1.31 and 63% possession.
This victory propels Udinese closer to the top half of the Serie A table, extending their gap over Genoa. Genoa, meanwhile, will reflect on a frustrating home defeat where dominance failed to translate into goals.
