Ukrainian midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi made his long-awaited return to competitive action for Genoa, coming on as a substitute in their Serie A clash against Cagliari on Saturday. This marked his first official appearance since September 2024, much to the delight of fans who have eagerly awaited his comeback.

Malinovskyi entered the pitch in the 75th minute, replacing Maxwell Cornet, with the score tied at 1-1. Despite his introduction, the Ukrainian playmaker was unable to influence the outcome, and Genoa had to settle for a draw, extending their winless streak to three matches in the Italian top flight.

2024-25, Italy - Serie A

Cagliari - Genoa 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Viola, 18 (1:0); Cornet M., 47 (1:1)

Cagliari: Caprile; Luperto; Zortea; Mina; Zappa; Obert (Pavoletti, 78); Viola (Gaetano G., 61); Deiola (Adopo, 78); Makoumbou (Prati, 61); Coman F. (Augello, 31); Piccoli R.
Bench: Ciocci; Sherri; Palomino; Marin R.; Jankto; Felici; Mutandwa
Yellow Cards: Deiola 60; Pavoletti 90

Genoa: Leali; Martín A.; De Winter K.; Norton-Cuffy (Zanoli, 46); Vasquez J-n; Miretti; Frendrup; Badelj (Masini, 52); Ekhator (Matturro, 66); Cornet M. (Malynovskyi, 75); Ekuban (Pinamonti, 52)
Bench: Siegrist; Sommariva; Sabelli; Onana J.; Cuenca; Venturino
Yellow Cards: Badelj 48; Masini 65