As Genoa hosts Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A clash on Friday night, both teams are aiming for a much-needed victory. Genoa seeks to bounce back from a recent defeat, while Hellas Verona aims to end their 10-game winless streak in all competitions.
Match Preview:
After a promising run with wins against Salernitana and Reggiana, Genoa faced a setback with a 2-1 defeat to Cagliari in their last Serie A outing.
Currently sitting 14th in the table, just three points above Verona in the relegation zone, Genoa is eager to regain momentum at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, where they’ve secured seven of their 11 Serie A points this season.
Hellas Verona, on the other hand, endured a challenging start to the season, losing seven of their opening 11 Serie A games.
Despite winning their first two matches, they have since struggled, with their last outing resulting in a 3-1 defeat to Monza.
Verona now faces a crucial opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone with back-to-back matches against Genoa and Lecce.
Form and Statistics:
Genoa:
- Serie A: WDLLWL
- All Competitions: DLLWWL
Hellas Verona:
- Serie A: LDLLLL
Team News:
- Genoa will miss Mateo Retegui and Filip Jagiello due to injury. Junior Messias is doubtful, but Mattia Bani returns after serving a suspension.
- Hellas Verona’s Pawel Dawidowicz is sidelined with a thigh injury, joining Juan Cabal and Jayden Braaf. Giangiacomo Magnani and Davide Faraoni are one booking away from suspension.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Genoa:
- Martinez;
- Bani, Dragusin, Vasquez;
- Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Strootman, Martin;
- Malinovskyi, Gudmundsson
Hellas Verona:
- Montipo;
- Magnani, Hein, Terracciano;
- Faraoni, Hongla, Duda, Folorunsho, Doig;
- Ngonge, Djuric
Prediction: Genoa 2-1 Hellas Verona
In what promises to be a closely-fought encounter, Genoa is expected to edge out Hellas Verona in a 2-1 contest.