Genoa have eased their Serie A relegation fears after edging out Cagliari at the Mario Rigamonti.
The hosts took the lead in the 12th minute through Rodrigo Palacio, but Genoa's lead lasted barely a couple of minutes as Lorenzo Ariaudo levelled proceedings after a headed knockdown Mauricio Pinilla.
Radja Nainggolan almost completed the turnaround for Cagliari but he sent his shot just past the post.
Genoa regained their advantage with 14 minutes left of the game when Bosko Jankovic curled home a free kick from outside the area.
Thiago Ribeiro almost equalised again for the visitors with a header that flew wide before the same man had another chance that he failed to convert after the 90-minute mark.
Genoa are now three points clear of Lecce just above the drop zone in 17th.
