European football: Inter held at Genoa, Lewandowski inspires Barça fightback

Serie A champions denied by stoppage-time equaliser.

Genoa's Brazilian forward Messias celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's late equaliser. Pic: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images

Internazionale’s Serie A title defence began unconvincingly with a 2-2 draw at Genoa as a last-gasp goal from Junior Messias secured a point for the hosts. Inter, missing the key players Stefan de Vrij and Piotr Zielinski, could not find the margins to start their campaign with a win, despite a double from Marcus Thuram.

Alessandro Vogliacco gave Genoa a shock lead after 20 minutes by tapping in a rebound off the bar. Ten minutes later, Thuram showcased his aerial prowess by heading in a lofted cross from Niccolo Barella to level the scores.