Fiorentina 0 - 0 Genoa: Perin keeps Fiorentina at bay

Posted Monday, September 15, 2014 by PA

Fiorentina could not find a way past visiting goalkeeper Mattia Perin as they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Genoa on Sunday.

The Viola dominated the encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium and created plenty of goalscoring chances but were denied by a series of fine saves from Perin.

Genoa will be pleased with the result as they were forced to play with a man less from the 72nd minute after defender Facundo Roncaglia was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.

Fiorentina went into the game looking to make amends for their 2-0 defeat at Roma in their Serie A opener.

Without injured striker Giuseppe Rossi, Viola coach Vincenzo Montella handed Mario Gomez a start alongside Juan Cuadrado and Khouma Bababar.

The hosts saw a promising chance to take a 15th-minute lead go to waste when an unmarked Gomez failed to get on the end of Alberto Aquilani's fantastic cross towards the far post.

Perin was first called into action in the 27th minute to save Babacar's well-struck drive from the edge of the area, and then before half-time the 21-year-old raced off his line to clear a dangerous ball into area with Aquilani ready to pounce.

Fiorentina continued where they left off after the break and Perin was involved again in the 54th minute to save from Aquilani, who has been set up Aquilani.

Shortly after the hour mark, Genoa had their first chance of the game but Mauricio Pinilla's scissor-kick volley went over the bar.

Stefano Sturaro came closest for Genoa with his long-range attempt kept out by Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men soon after when Roncaglia was handed his marching order following a foul on Cuadrado.

Fiorentina surged forward more aggressively in search of a winner and were almost rewarded at the death.

However, substitute Federico Bernardeschi's close-range header from Josip Ilicic's cross was met by a fine save from Perin and Genoa escaped with a point.