Genoa: For your precious love

Words: Janeck Niebuhr

Images: Janeck Niebuhr

Shot on film

Maybe the night before was just a bit too long. By the next morning, it was obvious – 15 beers definitely leave their mark.

There wasn’t much time to complain though, as another packed day of our weekend trip around Milan was waiting for us.

The previous days had already delivered: a Serie C clash between Alcione Milano and Calcio Lecco, followed by the Saturday night top game between Atalanta and Juventus – proper football all around.

And now, the next highlight was on the cards.

At 8:05am, we set off from Milano Rogoredo, heading towards the coast for a journey of around two and a half hours.

©Janeck Niebuhr/ Terrace Edition. Stadio Luigi Ferarris.

Destination: Genoa.

We’d already made the trip last year – back then for a Sampdoria game. This time, however, the fixture/table list gave us the chance to finally see Genoa CFC live at the legendary Luigi Ferraris.

Despite feeling rough and slightly hungover, the excitement was massive – the city, the walk through the narrow old town streets, the stadium tucked away in the valley by the river, the pubs, packed streets and that unique view from the stands.

All of that had stuck with me from last time and made this stadium one of my absolute favourite grounds.

Once we arrived, everything moved quickly: through the city, two or three drinks – and suddenly kick-off at 12:30pm was approaching.

©Janeck Niebuhr/ Terrace Edition. Pre-match panini.

We only caught “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from outside, almost like it was calling us into the ground.

Inside, the first look went straight to the Gradinata Nord. The ultras, the colours, the energy – and right in the middle of it all, that huge banner: “Forza Vecchio Cuore Rossoblu”.

On the opposite end, in the Gradinata Sud, there was also a fitting “You’ll Never Walk Alone” banner.

Add to that countless blue, red and orange flares, already creating an electric atmosphere before kick-off.

On the pitch, Genoa didn’t waste any time either. Sharp, attacking, full of intent – and in the 18th minute, they got their reward.

©Janeck Niebuhr/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC.

Malinovskyi, who many will remember from his Atalanta days, cut inside and curled a beautiful effort into the near corner from around 16 metres out.

The ground erupted for the first time.

Not much happened until half-time, but after the break Sassuolo stepped things up. Surprisingly, they had no away fans with them, but they looked far more dangerous going forward.

In the 58th minute, Ismael Koné equalised. Celebrating in front of the Genoa ultras! Brave – and it didn’t take long before beer cups and other objects started flying towards the players.

So what was still missing for a perfect football day? Exactly – a late winner.

And it came. In the 84th minute, Caleb Ekuban found the net and sent the stadium into absolute chaos. Pure scenes in the stands.

To top it all off, after the final whistle, an older men I had a short chat with gave me his Genoa glasses case and cleaning cloth in exchange for a few Werder Bremen stickers.

It’s the kind of little souvenir I’ll probably come across again in 10 or 20 years – and it’ll instantly take me back to this day in Genoa.

Somewhere between smoke, scooters, sea air and pure football passion.

Your love is precious Stadio Luigi Ferraris.