Genoa have beaten Sassuolo 2-0 in their Serie A clash at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Sebastian De Maio had an early chance to score for the home side, but headed straight at the keeper following a corner kick.

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Genoa took the lead after they were given a penalty for a foul by Marcello Gazzola inside the box and Alberto Gilardino stepped up to fire the ball into the top corner of the net.

Simone Missiroli came close to equalising for the visitors, but Mattia Perin pushed his close-range header around the post.

On the stroke of half time, Genoa scored their second when Andrea Bertolacci met Moussa Konate's deep cross at the back post, before steering the ball past the keeper.

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With a minute left to play, the home side were handed a chance to score a third goal after being given a penalty for Paolo Bianco's foul inside the box.

Gilardino stepped up to take it, but this time Gianluca Pegolo saved his effort from the spot.

Gilardino was denied by Pegolo again moments later when the keeper saved his close-range effort, as the home side eased to a comfortable win.