Genoa seal easy win over Sampdoria in lively derby
Three players sent off during fast and furious encounter
Milan: A vibrant 10-man Genoa outclassed city rivals Sampdoria 3-0 in a fast and furious Serie A derby on Saturday in which three players were sent off.
The victory meant joint-fifth Genoa moved within one point of Samp in fourth ahead of the main programme of games.
Midfielder Omar Milanetto converted a 10th minute penalty after Reto Ziegler tripped Rodrigo Palacio and Genoa almost extended their lead soon after when left back Ziegler deflected a cross onto his own post.
Domenico Criscito then rattled the bar with a header before Genoa teammate Giuseppe Biava naively handled the ball just before the break and was sent off having already been booked.
Despite the dismissal, Gian Piero Gasperini's side continued to dominate and captain Marco Rossi netted early in the second period after a quick counter-attack.
Sampdoria namesake Marco Rossi was then sent off for a second yellow and Genoa's Raffaele Palladino made it 3-0 from the spot after Ziegler again committed a foul.
Early season leaders Samp, who had not won in three before last weekend's victory over Chievo, struggled throughout with talisman Antonio Cassano unusually quiet and they lost Fabrizio Cacciatore to a straight red for a nasty tackle late on.
The Genoa derby is well-known for its colourful fans and with both clubs doing well in the top half of Serie A, there was an extra party atmosphere at their shared stadium.
