Genoa seeks to continue their unbeaten streak at Stadio Luigi Ferraris when they host Juventus in the opening fixture of Serie A’s 16th round on Friday.
Alberto Gilardino’s squad has not suffered a defeat at Marassi since early October, a run they hope to prolong against Juventus, who aim to leapfrog Inter Milan at the top of the table.
Match Preview
Genoa commenced the season with mixed form but has consistently challenged top sides. Notable performances include a 2-2 draw against Napoli, a 4-1 victory over Roma, and a narrow loss to AC Milan on October 7.
Since the defeat to Milan, they’ve kept two clean sheets and conceded only once in three home games, gathering seven points from a possible nine. A win against title-contending Juventus could extend their home unbeaten streak to four matches.
However, Genoa has struggled to keep a clean sheet against Juventus in their recent encounters, conceding in the last seven matches against them.
Meanwhile, Juventus, under Massimiliano Allegri, appears to be rekindling Scudetto aspirations. Allegri’s optimism grew after their 1-0 win against Napoli, putting them in a position to narrow the gap between themselves and table-toppers Inter.
Allegri’s side has been securing one-goal victories in Serie A, aided by Federico Gatti’s threat from set-pieces. They’ll aim to maintain their winning momentum and potentially take the top spot with a win against Genoa.
Team News
Genoa’s Kevin Strootman is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Ruslan Malinovskyi, returning from suspension, might replace Junior Messias in midfield.
Albert Gudmundsson remains a crucial figure for Genoa’s attack, aiming to add to his five Serie A goals this season.
Juventus will miss the suspended Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli, along with the injured Mattia De Sciglio (ACL).
Dusan Vlahovic, who suffered cramps against Napoli, is likely to start, while Timothy Weah (thigh) has resumed training.
Possible Lineups
Genoa: (3-5-2)
Martinez;
D. Winter, Dragusin, Vasquez;
Sabelli, Malinovskyi, Badelj, Frendrup, Haps;
Retegui, Gudmundsson
Juventus: (3-5-2)
Szczesny;
Gatti, Bremer, Danilo;
Cambiasso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic;
Vlahovic, Chiesa
Prediction: Genoa 1-2 Juventus
Juventus has excelled in securing narrow victories and might concede but should have enough to edge past Genoa and end their unbeaten home streak.