Coppa Italia: Genoa 1-0 Sudtirol — De Rossi’s men advance on late Vasquez winner

Genoa needed a late header from centre-back Johan Vasquez to avoid penalties and reach the Coppa Italia last 16, where Inter await.

Daniele De Rossi’s side dominated possession and chances at Marassi without finding a way past Stefano Plizzari, who was the difference for much of the night.

Tommaso Baldanzi tested him inside seven minutes, then went close again alongside Wiafe around the half-hour, while Vitinha headed off target from Puczka’s cross. Plizzari’s best work came between the 34th and 41st minutes, first denying Wiafe at his near post and then repelling a fierce Amorim strike from outside the box.

Sudtirol offered almost nothing, Anghele’s effort over the bar their only moment of note.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Daniele De Rossi, Head Coach of Genoa, looks on before the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on August 30, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Genoa’s Vasquez strikes again from a corner The pattern held after the break. Mitaj forced another fine save on 52 minutes, and further openings for Amorim and Colombo came to nothing against a stubborn Sudtirol rearguard.

With penalties looming, Johan Vasquez, only just introduced, rose highest from a corner and headed past Plizzari. It was a second consecutive goal for the Mexican defender, and a second from a set piece, after the equaliser that earned Genoa a point against Frosinone in Serie A.