Genoa seal easy win over Sampdoria in colourful derby

Genoa: 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 Sunday. 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 team mate 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, who angered rival players and fans with his celebration, 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 -- so much so that the kickoff was delayed because of smoke from fireworks. In the early match, mid-table Udinese secured a routine 2-0 home win over lowly Livorno thanks to a perfect free kick from Serie A top scorer Antonio Di Natale and a header from Antonio Floro Flores in the first half. Bureau Report