Genoa demolish Ascoli to advance in Coppa Italia

Genoa made their intentions clear from the start, dominating possession and pressing Ascoli into early submission. The visitors showed glimpses of ambition but struggled to sustain any meaningful pressure on the home defence. By the time the first half reached its critical stages, the pattern was firmly established, with Genoa's superior quality beginning to tell.

Ascoli struck first against the run of play when A. Silipo found the net in the 25th minute, a shock lead that briefly threatened to upset the hosts' rhythm. Genoa responded without panic. A. Marcandalli restored parity with a composed finish just before half-time on 42 minutes, and T. Baldanzi added a second in the 45th minute to send the hosts into the break with a commanding 3-1 advantage. The momentum had swung decisively.

The second half saw Genoa control proceedings with the comfort of a team already assured of victory. L. Østigård received a yellow card in the 49th minute as Genoa attempted to maintain discipline while dominating the game. L. Colombo put the result beyond doubt with a fourth goal in the 61st minute, securing a Genoa 4-1 Ascoli scoreline that reflected the gulf in class. Ascoli offered little resistance in the closing stages, their brief moment of hope long forgotten.

This victory sends Genoa confidently into the next round of the Coppa Italia, their clinical second-half performance delivering exactly the kind of statement win required to progress. For Ascoli, the cup run ends here, but the experience against such superior opposition will provide lessons for their own campaign in the lower divisions.