Palermo 2 - 1 Genoa - Chochev brace keeps Palermo going

Posted Sunday, April 19, 2015 by PA

Promoted Palermo's mission to finish above the two Milanese clubs is still on course following a 2-1 home victory over Genoa.

A first-half double from Ivaylo Chochev proved enough to draw the Sicilians level with 10th-placed Inter and within a point of Milan ahead of Sunday night's derby at San Siro.

Iago Falque responded for Genoa shortly after half-time but the Grifoni were unable to notch the third straight win that would have put pressure on sixth-placed Fiorentina, who are five points better off.

Palermo retain a faint chance of reaching the Europa League places and started with intent at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, opening the scoring after only nine minutes.

Defender Andrea Rispoli found himself playing the role of attacking midfielder as he tricked his way into the box before firing straight at Eugenio Lammana.

The keeper managed to push the ball away but Chochev was on hand to stick away the rebound.

Diego Perotti forced Stefano Sorrentino into a desperate save as Genoa bit back yet the Sicilians were unflappable and quickly resumed turning the screw.

Franco Vazquez fired a warning to Lamanna with a shot from distance in the 25th minute and, five minutes later, Chochev got the better of the 25-year-old once again.

This time Paulo Dybala did the leg work on the counter-attack before spotting Chochev's run - the Bulgarian made no mistake with his first-time shot to complete his brace.

Lamanna did survive further raids from Rispoli and Dybala but looked visibly relieved to reach half-time and a few moments respite from the Palermo onslaught.

The interval team-talk needed to be a good one, then, and it appeared to have worked as Genoa returned the pitch full of intent.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Falque halved the deficit by beating the offside trap to turn Edenilson's pass beyond Sorrentino.

Genoa might even have levelled before the hour mark as Sebastian De Maio tried to head home at the far post only for Sorrentino to dash off his line and make the save.

Palermo survived the rally and promptly wrested back control, with Dybala reminding Lamanna he was there with a fearsome left-footed drive that rattled the crossbar.

With their defence in lockdown the Rosanero raids became less frequent but Dybala fancied a 14th goal of the season and came close to grabbing it in the 86th minute.

Receiving the ball in the area he did well to retain possession before attempting an acrobatic finish with his left boot.

Lamanna made the save - a fine stop which he could have put to better use in the first half.