In an enticing clash between mid-table rivals, Genoa and Torino will lock horns at Marassi on Saturday. Torino enters the game on the back of an impressive victory over the reigning champions, while Genoa has been unbeaten in their last four matches.
Match Preview:
Genoa started the year with a promising performance against Bologna, taking an early lead courtesy of Albert Gudmundsson’s goal.
However, they were denied victory due to a late equalizer, which has been a recurring theme in their season. Genoa has conceded 11 points from goals scored in the final 10 minutes, more than any other team in Serie A.
Despite this setback, Genoa has shown resilience against top teams Inter Milan and Juventus, securing draws against both.
They also managed a win against Sassuolo and grabbed a point from their visit to Stadio Dall’Ara. Currently sitting comfortably in 12th place, Genoa looks forward to the second half of the season with renewed optimism.
However, history is not on Genoa’s side, as they have won only one of their last 11 league matches against Torino. The last time these teams met in September 2022, Genoa suffered a defeat.
Torino, on the other hand, has dominated this fixture, winning eight of their last 10 encounters. Their recent victory over Napoli has boosted their confidence, and they aim to continue their winning streak.
Team News:
Genoa’s head coach, Alberto Gilardino, will have almost a full squad at his disposal, with the exception of Radu Dragusin who recently departed for the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence could feature on the bench. Midfielders Kevin Strootman and Morten Thorsby are expected to return from injury and illness, respectively.
Koni De Winter is set to replace Dragusin in the back three. Albert Gudmundsson, who has been involved in five league goals since mid-December, will lead Genoa’s attack.
Torino’s forward line will be spearheaded by Duvan Zapata, who has an impressive record against Genoa, scoring nine times during his time in Serie A.
Perr Schuurs is the only confirmed absentee for Torino, while David Zima may also miss out.
Possible Lineups:
Genoa: (3-5-1-1)
Martinez;
De Winter, Bani, Vasquez;
Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Malinovskyi, Haps;
Gudmundsson;
Retegui
Torino: (3-4-1-2)
Milinkovic-Savic;
Djidji, Buongiorno, Rodriguez;
Bellanova, Ricci, Ilic, Lazaro;
Vlasic;
Sanabria, Zapata
Prediction: Genoa 1-1 Torino
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, making this a closely contested match. Torino’s recent victory and goal-scoring form could give them an edge, but Genoa’s resilience at Marassi cannot be underestimated.