Fiery Genoa Derby Explodes Into Violence: Sampdoria Victorious

Sampdoria emerged victorious in a dramatic Coppa Italia Genoa derby, beating their fierce rivals Genoa 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with the game marred by violence in ther streets afterwards.

Tensions were already high before the match, given the 879-day wait since the last meeting between the two. Genoa struck first, with Andrea Pinamonti scoring after just nine minutes. Sampdoria, however, equalized late in the second half through Fabio Borini, sending the match into penalties. A missed spot-kick from Genoa’s Zanoli, followed by a composed finish from Sampdoria’s Antonio Barreca, sealed the win for the Blucerchiati.

Both teams approached the match with caution, but intensity was evident from the outset. Genoa set the tone early, controlling much of the first half. Pinamonti’s goal was a product of a defensive error from Sampdoria’s Romagnoli, but Sampdoria responded with several chances, though they failed to capitalize before halftime. Genoa goalkeeper Leali made crucial saves to maintain his side’s lead, but Sampdoria’s relentless pressure eventually paid off when Borini struck late in the second half.

The match was a showcase of drama, as neither team could take full control after Borini’s equalizer. The penalty shootout provided the climax, with misses from Miretti and Benedetti for Sampdoria and Zanoli for Genoa. Barreca’s decisive kick sent the Sampdoria fans into ecstasy, securing their place in the round of 16, where they will face Roma.

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Violence Erupts After the Match

Despite Sampdoria’s hard-fought win on the pitch, the evening was overshadowed by violent clashes between rival fan groups after the match. Thirty-eight individuals, including 12 ultras and 26 law enforcement officers, were injured in the riots that erupted around the Luigi Ferraris stadium. The violence continued late into the night, with overturned dumpsters, small fires, and widespread chaos in the Marassi neighbourhood.

According to reports, over 500 individuals participated in the clashes, which escalated after the Genoa supporters displayed stolen banners during the match. Sampdoria fans, armed with bars and smoke bombs, attempted to confront their rivals, and riot police were deployed to control the situation. Water cannons were even used to disperse the crowds—an extreme measure not seen since the G8 protests in Genoa in 2008.

Three arrests have already been made, including one Sampdoria supporter and two French ultras with connections to Genoa. The violence led to widespread damage in the area, including vandalism of parked cars and the destruction of public property. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to identify more individuals involved, with the possibility of further arrests in the coming days.

Speaking after the match, Sampdoria coach Andrea Sottil expressed pride in his team’s resilience: “It was a hard-fought game, and the boys showed great character to come back and win. Penalties are always a lottery, but we held our nerve when it mattered.”

Sottil also addressed the violence, condemning the actions of the fans: “It’s disappointing to see what happened after such a thrilling derby. Football should bring people together, not divide them like this.”

Site Opinion – A Dark Day for Genoa Football

While Sampdoria’s win in the derby will go down as a significant result for the club, the violence that followed casts a shadow over what should have been a night of celebration. Fan violence has been a persistent problem in Italian football, and this derby, one of the most heated in the country, was no exception.

The scenes of chaos in the streets of Genoa are a reminder that, despite efforts to curb hooliganism, much work remains to be done. Both clubs will likely face repercussions, but the real question is whether lasting change can be brought to the fan culture in Italian football. This derby win should have been remembered for Sampdoria’s triumph, but instead, it may be defined by the violence that marred it.