Junior Messias leads Genoa to 2-1 win over Lecce

Genoa survive Lecce pressure after two-goal opening

Genoa beat Lecce 2-1 in Serie A, with Junior Messias’ goal and assist providing the decisive edge despite Lecce recording more possession, shots and efforts on target.

Genoa took the lead in the 11th minute when Milutin Osmajić scored a normal goal assisted by Junior Messias, making the score 0-1. Messias then doubled the advantage in the 28th minute, finishing a move assisted by Stephan El Shaarawy for 0-2.

Lecce responded in the 40th minute through Youssef Maleh, whose normal goal made it 1-2. That remained the final score, although Lecce pushed forward after the interval and forced Genoa goalkeeper J. Bijlow into six saves.

Lecce had the greater attacking volume

The hosts held 53% possession and attempted 18 shots to Genoa’s 13. Lecce also registered seven shots on goal, compared with three for Genoa, while their expected-goals figure was 1.23 against Genoa’s 1.36. Genoa’s more efficient opening ultimately outweighed Lecce’s pressure.

The listed disciplinary incidents included yellow cards for Mohamed Kaba, Hamed Junior Traorè, Jamil Siebert and Lecce coach E. Di Francesco. No red cards were recorded.

Messias stands out as Genoa move clear

Messias was the match’s highest-rated player at 9.0, contributing one goal, one assist and five key passes in 86 minutes. The result leaves Genoa 11th on 13 points from 10 games, four points ahead of Lecce, who are 14th on nine points from 10 games. Lazio lead with 28 points.