Frey 6 – Was not called into action that often but didn’t make mistakes when he was. Made a crucial anticipation on Olivera in the last minute. Jorgensen 6.5 – Frequently got involved in Fiorentina’s attacking plays and didn’t set a foot wrong defensively. Kroldrup 6 – The experienced defender kept it tight in central defence, but nearly scored an own goal near the end of the match. Dainelli 6 – Gave a solid display in defence, making a number of good clearences. Gobbi 6.5 – Very effective going forward and was rarely tested by Genoa’s forwards. Donadel 6 – Worked hard in midfield and made himself dangerous with long range efforts. Melo 6.5 – Confirmed he is a dangerous player as he showcased a number of good dribbles and sharp passes. Montolivo 6.5 – As usual, one of Fiorentina’s most consistent performers, always playing some part in the Viola’s attacks. Semioli 5.5 – An ineffectual performance by the winger, who couldn’t come up with any memorable moves tonight. Made his return after a long absence, but Fiorentina won’t have missed him much. (Sub: 64’ Santana 6) Mutu 6.5 – Didn’t score but always found himself in dangerous positions and always got involved. Too bad he missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 15 minutes before the end. (Sub: 82’ Osvaldo) Gilardino 7 – Scored the winning goal with a terrific strike. That was more than enough to earn him the distinction as man of the match in this one. (Sub: 64’ Pazzini 6)
Genoa
Rubinho 6.5 – A very good performance by the Brazilian goalkeeper, who kept Genoa in the match more than once with fine saves. Papastathopoulos 6.5 – An excellent debut by the young Greek full back, who came from AEK this summer. The 20-year-old didn’t make mistakes in defence and made a number of impressive runs. Ferrari 6 – Gave a solid display at center back. Criscito 5.5 – Didn’t look too confident as he did not manage to transmit calmness to the defensive department. Bocchetti 5.5 – Another player who made his season debut for Genoa, but he could not convince, as he didn’t manage to come forward and was constantly under pressure at the back. Rossi 5.5 – Concentrated mostly on defensive duties and could not make himself dangerous, which as a winger is what he is supposed to do. Van Den Borre 6 – The young Belgian midfielder managed to give order to the midfield and didn’t make many mistakes. (Sub: 60’ Modesto 5.5) Milanetto 5.5 – Made a number of poor passes, which is unusual for him. Was replaced just before half time due to injury. (Sub: 40’ Juric 6) Mesto 6 – The experienced former Reggina winger worked hard and ran a lot for his team. (Sub: 50’ Milito 6.5) Olivera 5 – Played both in attack and on the wing, but was equally ineffectual on both positions. Palladino 6.5 – The former Juventus player was easily Genoa’s most dangerous man along with substitute Milito as he frequently found himself in good positions but was luckless in his finishing.