Fiorentina fights back to draw with Genoa and Atalanta concedes draw at Verona
Genoa's Albert Gudmundsson, left, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Genoa, at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Monday April 15, 2024. Credit: AP/Massimo Paolone
ROME — Fiorentina mounted a second half comeback to draw with Genoa 1-1 at home in a Serie A game marked by VAR decisions against both teams on Monday.
The draw extended Fiorentina's winless run to five league matches and left it in 10th place, trailing in the race for European competitions next season.
The first VAR decision went Genoa’s way when Fiorentina’s Andrea Belotti had a 26th-minute goal chalked off for offside.
That roused Genoa to take the lead three minutes before halftime through a penalty from Albert Gudmundsson. Fabiano Parisi was adjudged to have felled Caleb Ekuban. It was the Icelander’s third goal in three games.
However, Jonathan Ikoné equalized nine minutes into the second half for Fiorentina with a nice header.
With 70 minutes gone, the referee awarded the home side a penalty only to change his mind after a video review.
Genoa remained in 12th place, well clear of the relegation zone but with little chance of securing a European place.
Fiorentina's Jonathan Ikone celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Genoa, at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Monday April 15, 2024. Credit: AP/Massimo Paolone
VERONA DRAWS
Verona also came from behind to draw at Atalanta 2-2 and secure a vital point in its relegation fight.
Verona rose to 16th, tied on points with Udinese and Empoli. But only two points separates all three from second-to-last Sassuolo.
Atalanta looked to be cruising after a Gianluca Scamacca-inspired opening few minutes.
Fiorentina's Jonathan Ikone scores his side's opening goal during the Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Genoa, at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Monday April 15, 2024. Credit: AP/Massimo Paolone
Scamacca got the opener after 13 minutes with a spectacular volley. Then six minutes later his pass put Ederson through on goal and he slipped the ball under the keeper for 2-0.
But Verona roared back after halftime with two quick goals.
Darko Lazovic rifled home a low shot from the edge of the box and three minutes later Tijjani Noslin showed a poacher’s instinct to stab home a cross from the right.
It was another inconsistent display from Atalanta, which beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the Europa League last week but lost to Fiorentina in the Italian Cup and to Cagliari in the league.
The Bergamo club is in sixth place, four points behind Roma.
