Romania’s national team captain Nicolae Stanciu marked his debut for Genoa by scoring immediately after coming on as a substitute in a commanding 13-0 friendly victory over amateur side Val Di Fassa. The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Genoa on a free transfer from Damac this summer and chose the number 8 shirt, impressed in Patrick Vieira’s first pre-season match in charge. Genoa will use upcoming friendlies against Kaiserslautern, Mantova, Villarreal, and Rennes to prepare for their Serie A season opener against Lecce on August 23. Stanciu’s goal-scoring cameo highlights his readiness to play a key role for Genoa as they aim to improve under Vieira’s management.
