Genoa thrashed city rivals Sampdoria 3-0 in an action-packed game which featured three red cards at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Omar Milanetto put Genoa ahead from the penalty spot in the 10th minute with Marco Rossi adding a second in the 53rd and Raffaele Palladino scoring the third from the spot in the 75th minute.

Giuseppe Biava was sent off in the 45th minute with Rossi following him in the 66th minute and Fabrizio Cacciatore leaving Samp with nine men in the 88th minute.

It saw Genoa climb to fifth, one behind their opponents.

Top scorer Antonio Di Natale made an instant impact on his return from suspension to inspire Udinese to a 2-0 victory over Livorno.

The home side took the lead on 29 minutes and it was Di Natale who grabbed the glory on his return from a one-match ban.

Livorno conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area and Di Natale punished them in emphatic fashion, curling a shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

The visitors tried to regroup but fell further behind after 39 minutes as Antonio Floro Flores headed home the second.