Spanish midfielder Alberto Zapater netted a free-kick after just four minutes and Giuseppe Sculli doubled the lead on 39 as he volleyed in a cross from Nenad Tomovic.
Genoa went ahead through Giandomenico Mesto in the 36th minute with Giuseppe Sculli sealing their win in the 71st minute before Catania coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was also sent to the stands.
Omar Milanetto put Genoa ahead from the penalty spot in the 10th minute Reto Ziegler was ruled to have fouled Rodrigo Palacio, then the Sampdoria player managed to hit his own post trying to clear Giuseppe Sculli's low cross.