Malinovskyi's free-kick snatches victory for Genoa — another argument for the Ukrainian in Serie A
Ruslan Malinovskyi scored from a 62nd‑minute free kick and helped Genoa beat Bologna 3-2. We break down the key details of the goal and what it means for Ukrainian football in Italy.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 26, 2026 · 2 min read
The goal that changed the course of the match
Ruslan Malinovskyi produced a spectacular set-piece goal on the 62nd minute of a Serie A match, cutting the deficit and setting the tone for a comeback: the game finished 3–2 in favor of Genoa. Confirmation — the player's interview with Italian Secolo XIX and a report by UNN.
How it happened
Malinovskyi described the moment as a quick decision under pressure: the opposing goalkeeper had just come on, and a teammate’s advice urged him to shoot straight. The player went for the strike, which was precise and powerful — that episode swung the match in the Griffins’ favor.
“I hesitated a bit, whether to shoot directly or to cross, but Junior Messias advised me to shoot straight, because goalkeeper Ravaglia had just come on. I looked at coach De Rossi and at the bench, but I decided to take the shot myself. I dedicate this goal to my family, who could not be at the stadium today, and to my wife, who always tells me to shoot.”
— Ruslan Malinovskyi, Genoa midfielder (interview Secolo XIX / UNN)
Context and consequences
Key factors in the victory: Malinovskyi’s set-piece goal, the opposing goalkeeper’s sending off or substitution, and Bologna’s fatigue after European fixtures — as noted by the player and in team comments. For Genoa, these are important three points in the fight for league position; for Malinovskyi, another confirmation of his ability to decide moments in a strong league.
What this means for Ukraine
First, it’s about an athlete who represents the Ukrainian school of technique and mentality on a big stage. Second, such episodes increase Ukraine’s visibility in top European championships — an important element of soft power at a time when representation abroad also matters. Italian analysts note: consistent performances by foreign players raise clubs’ trust in Ukrainian footballers overall.
Now the questions for Genoa and for Malinovskyi himself: can the team use this momentum to string together consistent results, and can the player cement a leadership role in key matches? The answer will affect both the club’s league prospects and the reputation of Ukrainian footballers in Italy.
