Livorno hang on for stalemate

Livorno withstood a late Genoa charge to claim a point from their trip to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in a 0-0 draw.

Livorno withstood a late Genoa charge to claim a point from their trip to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and continue their promising start to the new Serie A season. Davide Nicola's side, who came into the match following back-to-back victories over Sassuolo and Catania, had the better of the first-half chances and also had a goal disallowed midway through the second period, but it was Genoa who finished the stronger. They struck the bar through Thomas Manfredini in the 77th minute and then Emanuele Calaio saw his effort cleared off the line by Livorno defender Andrea Coda a minute later. Genoa continued to push and another Manfredini header went just over before, deep into stoppage time, the hosts were denied by a brilliant save by Livorno keeper Francesco Bardi as he tipped over Calaio's header to ensure his side of a share of the spoils. The result leaves Genoa on four points following their superb derby win over Sampdoria last time out while Livorno now have seven points from their four games. It looked like a third successive victory could be on the cards for Livorno as they created the more dangerous opportunities in the opening hour, with Genoa keeper Mattia Perin doing well to keep out efforts from Andrea Luci and Innocent Emeghara while Paulo Sergio Betanin and Alfred Duncan both just failed to hit the target for the visitors. Livorno then had a goal chalked off in the 72nd minute for offside against Ibrahima Mbaye, who had tapped home the loose ball after Perin had kept out Pasquale Schiattarella's low shot. Livorno could not find the breakthrough though, and in the end they were forced to ride their luck just to get a point as Genoa, inspired by Romania international Adrian Stoian whose balls into the area created all of their late chances, pushed hard for the victory.