Juventus lose 2-0 at Genoa and fall further behind in Serie A

Juventus fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Genoa in Serie A, extending a difficult run for Luciano Spalletti's side. Two goals conceded before half-time left the visitors with too much to do after the break, and they were unable to find a way back into the game at the Luigi Ferraris. The result drops Juventus to eighth place and leaves them further adrift of the European qualification spots.

• Juventus lost 2-0 at Genoa after conceding goals in the 12th and 29th minutes.
• Spalletti's team has taken four points from their last twelve available in Serie A.
• The defeat leaves Juventus eighth and eleven points behind Inter and Lazio.
• Genoa celebrated a win that moves them away from the relegation places.

A costly first half for Juventus at the Luigi Ferraris

Genoa struck early and with real efficiency. Just after the quarter-hour mark, a low cross from the left travelled across the box and reached Ehizibue at the far post. The German wing-back fired a powerful shot beyond the Juventus defence and into the net to give the home side the lead in the 12th minute.

Juventus struggled to settle after that opening goal. Spalletti's team found it difficult to control possession and impose their rhythm, while Genoa threatened repeatedly on the counter and exploited the space behind the Bianconeri back line.

Defensive mistake leads to Genoa's second goal

The second goal came just before the half-hour mark from a dangerous turnover by Kalulu. Vitinha pounced on the loose ball and raced towards goal, but his initial effort lacked clarity. Baldanzi followed up to collect the rebound and make it 2-0 in the 29th minute.

Before half-time, Juventus had a clear chance to get back into the contest. Kalulu found himself unmarked in the penalty area, but his finish was well off target and the opportunity went begging.

Spalletti's changes fail to turn the match around

After the break, Spalletti introduced Zhegrova and Woltemade in an attempt to change the dynamic. However, Juventus rarely troubled the Genoa defence, which protected its lead comfortably for much of the second half.

Late in the game, with nothing left to lose, the visitors created two opportunities to pull a goal back. Koppmeiners hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but it was the closest Juventus came to reducing the deficit on a disappointing afternoon.

What the result means in the Serie A table

The defeat leaves Juventus in eighth place, outside the European qualification positions, with the gap to the top of the table now standing at eleven points. Leaders Inter and Lazio have pulled clear of the Turin club.

With only four points collected from their last twelve, inconsistency has become the story of Juventus' season. Injuries have limited Spalletti's options, but the team has also lacked stability in performances and results. Genoa, meanwhile, claimed an important win that gives them breathing room above the relegation zone.

A demanding run ahead for Juventus

Juventus now face the challenge of stopping their slide. The club needs players back from injury and a marked improvement if they are to climb back into contention for European places in what is becoming an increasingly difficult campaign.