Roma vs Genoa

Roma will face off against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico with the pressure of knowing they must win in order to ensure that they keep pace with the league leaders of Inter Milan. The two clubs are coming off of positive results in week 31 as Roma drew away from home while Genoa held serve at home.

Roma played to a 1-1 draw away to Cagliari at the Stadio Sant’Elia and that result cancelled out Inter Milan’s draw in their match away to Lazio. The side managed by Nedo Spalletti are now in 2^nd place of Serie A with 65 points on the year. They are 7 points ahead of 3^rd place Juventus- but having played 1 more match – while trailing 1^st place Inter Milan by 4 points. Roma have won 3 of their last 5 matches while drawing once and losing the remaining match. The club suffered a bad result this week in the quarter finals of the Champions League as they lost at home to Manchester United by a score of 0-2 in the first leg. The injured list has some important players on it this week including club captain Francesco Totti along with defenders Juan and Ferrari. The absence of Totti in attack will be filled by Vucinic with Taddei and Giuly starting on the wings. Tonetto will start at left fullback with Panucci sliding over to the center back position to partner with Mexes.

Genoa come into this match in 8^th place of the Serie A table with 42 points on the season. They are 7 points back of 7^th place Sampdoria and 1 point ahead of 9^th place Atalanta Bergamo. Last week il grifone were able to hold serve at home over Reggina by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The win was the second straight for the side managed by Gasperini and their unbeaten run has now reached 3 consecutive games. There are only 2 injury absences expected this week with Paro and Santos having been ruled out, while midfielder Milanetto came down with an infection in his leg earlier this week but is not expected to have to miss out. Look for Genoa to go with their 3-4-3 standard formation featuring Sculli, Borriello and Leon in attack.

Morale in the Roma camp is certainly low this week following the slip up at home to Manchester United. Spalletti will need to decide if he wants to rest any regulars this week in hopes of pulling off a miracle in Manchester next week. At this point it appears they have a better chance of challenging for Serie A but there is no telling what type of formation he will go with and the fact that Totti is out is a huge absence both in terms of talent and mental strength. Genoa have a quality side that just could pull off an upset or in the very least pull out a point.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)

Genoa vs Inter Milan

The losing streak continued for Genoa in week 28 and things do not get any brighter on their horizon as league leaders Inter Milan pay a visit to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. The lone bright spot for the genovese club is that they will be playing for the second time in 4 days and this could help them digest their last loss a lot quicker.

Genoa were losers over the week as they dropped the 3 points on the road at the Stadio Artemio Franchi by a score of 3-1 to Fiorentina. The loss leaves the side managed by Gasperini in 10^th place of Serie A with 35 points for the present campaign. They are 1 point behind 9^th place Palermo and sit just 1 point up on 11^th place SS Lazio. Il grifone have now dropped 3 straight matches and have been outscored by 7-2 over those 3 games. The injured list remains unchanged for this match with Paro, Bovo and Rubinho having been ruled out, while Leon is out suspended. Given the Honduran international’s absence in attack, look for Sculli to join Borriello in attack as Genoa switch from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2.

While they may have suffered their first defeat of the season just 2 weeks ago, Inter Milan have proceeded to pick up where they were before that result and have won their next 2 matches. The neroazzurri are coming off of a 2-1 win over Palermo at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.. The 3 points allow the side managed by Roberto Mancini to maintain their 6 point advantage over second place AS Roma with 67 points for the season.. With this being a double week, some turnover is to be expected but on a bright note the contest will see Julio Cruz rejoin Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the starting eleven. Dacourt, Samuel, Cordoba, Cesar and Dejan Stankovic are out injured while veteran Marco Materazzi will sit out suspended. Mancini looks set to go with the south american center back pairing of Rivas and Burdisso.

Genoa have it all to do this week on paper but the fact that Cruz is just returning coupled with the absence of Materazzi, Samuel and Cordoba from the back line leaves Inter extremely exposed at the back. Genoa have been solid if unspectacular at home this year and should be able to a least earn a point.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Fiorentina vs Genoa

Fiorentina and Genoa clash in a match up of two clubs that are coming off of very disappointing results in week 27 of Serie A. Fiorentina lost to a club embroiled in the relegation fight, while Genoa dropped 3 points at home to the always dangerous Juventus.

The viola are currently in 4^th place of the Serie A league table with 47 points on the year. They are 1 point up on 5^th place AC Milan and 4 points back of Juventus. In their last match they suffered a stinging defeat at the hands of Siena by a score of 1-0 at the MPS Arena. Fiorentina did have better results later in the week when they were able to advance to the quarter final round of the UEFA Cup after getting past Everton. With the club set to play yet another match in 3 days time manager Cesar Prandelli has indicated his intention to employ so form of turnover with respect to the starting eleven against Genoa. Adrian Mutu, Papa Waigo and Liverani will not play while Semioli is slated to return to action.

Genoa were stunned at home by Juventus in a match that ended 0-2 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Il grifone had been doing well going into that contest, having won 3 straight, and they had hoped to take the next step by defeating a quality side such as Juve. Instead the loss keeps them in 9^th place of the league table with 35 points. They sit 1 point behind 8^th place Palermo and 1 point ahead of 10^th place Atalanta. For this contest away to Fiorentina manager Gasperini will have to make due without Paro, Bovo, Santos, Rubinho and Milanetto. Look for Rossi to return to the right side of midfield while Leon, top scorer Borriello and Sculli play upfront in the 3-4-3.

Fiorentina could be in trouble in this match. While they return to play at the Artemio Franchi for the first time in 2 weeks in domestic play, this will be their 3^rd match of the week with another coming up in 3 days time. Genoa have done alright on the road this season and will be much better rested. Fiorentina lose a lot with Mutu and Liverani not playing and that could be the difference.

Predictions: Draw (0-0)

Genoa vs Juventus

Juventus are on the road to take on Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris looking to recover from a terrible loss at home to Fiorentina and finally put an end to their current 3 match winless run. As for Genoa, they fell on the road to last place Cagliari in a match that halted the wonderful momentum they had been building over the last month.

The side managed by Gasperini were beaten away to last place Cagliari by a score of 2-1 at the Stadio Sant’Elia. The loss was as painful as unexpected for il grifone and leaves them in 8^th place of the league table with 35 points. They are now 1 point back of 7^th place Sampdoria and just ahead of 9^th place Palermo on goal difference. The loss snaps their two match win streak and they have now posted 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses over their last 5 matches. Genoa will be missing Wilson, Paro, Bovo, Santos and Rubinho because of injury this week while Juric sits out suspended. There is some good news with regard to Serie A leading good scorer Borriello as his condition has improved and he should at least be available off of the bench.

The vecchia signora also lost last week when they were surprised at home by Fiorentina in a match that ended 2-3 at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. It was Juventus second loss in their last 3 matches and they have won only 1 point from the last 9 they have played for. With the loss the side managed by Claudio Ranieri are now in 3^rd place of league table with 48 points on the year. This leaves them 7 points back of 2^nd place AS Roma and 1 point up on 4^th place Fiorentina. This week Andrade, Marchionni, and Molinaro remain out, while Nedved will serve the second of a 2 match suspension. Look for Ranieri to once again go with Zanetti and Sissoko in midfield.

Genoa looked simply awful last week against Cagliari but the way Juventus have played of late they don’t appear capable of winning away to any side. Look for Genoa to bounce back and extend Juve’s misery another week.

Prediction: Genoa (1-0)

Cagliari vs Genoa

Cagliari are home to Genoa needing to win in the worst way if they are ever to climb out if their relegation zone hole. Genoa camp up with a huge win at home last week and are now within striking distance of a UEFA Cup slot in the Serie A league table.

I Sardi are currently in last place of the league table with just 18 points for the season. Cagliari have won only 4 matches all season long and open up the month of March 3 points back of 19^th place Reggina. Their last match saw them fall on the road away to Siena by a score of 1-0 at the MPS Arena. Ballardini’s side have won just 1 of their last 5 matches to go with 2 draws and 2 losses. Given their delicate league position every match remaining at home is a final. The side from the Sant’Elia will be missing Koprivec, Ferri, Marchini and Biondini to injury against Genoa, while Agostini sits out suspended. Fini will replace Biondini on the right side of midfield in a 4-3-2-1 with the Argentine Larrivey as the lone striker.

Genoa have been very impressive of late and continued their recent positive stretch with a 2-0 victory at home to Napoli at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. The win gives il grifone 35 points for the year and leaves them in 8^th place of Serie A, just behind their rivals Sampdoria and 1 point ahead of 9^th place Atalanta. Their last 5 matches have seen them post 3 wins with 1 loss and 1 draw. This week manager Gasperini will be missing Wilson, Paro Bovo and Santos to injury, while Konko will sit out suspended. In the case of Paro he is expected to miss up to 5 months due to a ligament tear and is therefore finished for the season. With this being the club’s 3^rd match in 7 days look for top scorer Borriello- who currently leads Serie A with 16 goals- to sit out as Genoa employ the turnover. Argentine Figueroa will start upfront along with Leon and Di Vaio in a 3-4-3.

The pressure is on Cagliari as they are starved for points. They are 6 points back of 17^th place Catania which is the club they will need to catch in order to save themselves. They will be up against a Genoa outfit that have won more points away from home this season than Cagliari have at home. Despite Borriello starting on the bench Genoa still have enough firepower in Di Vaio and company to make some noise.

Prediction: Genoa (0-1)

Genoa vs Napoli

Genoa and Napoli both scored big victories over the week and will look to continue their respective positive runs in this midweek contest at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. This match represents an excellent chance for the visitors to leap-frog over Genoa in the league table.

Il Grifone return home after a huge performance away to Udinese in week 24 that saw them run out 3-5 winners at the Stadio Friuli. Borriello was the hero with a hat trick in the 2^nd half. The 3 points land Genoa in 8^th place of the league table with 32 points. They are 3 points back of 7^th place Sampdoria and 1 point up on 9^th place Atalanta. They have been extremely consistent in terms of even results as evidenced by their record of 8 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses in 24 games. There are two confirmed absences for the contest against Napoli with Wilson out injured and Rubinho serving suspension. The good news this week is that Rossi will be able to play and will start on the right side of midfield in a 3-4-3 with Sculli, Borriello and Leon in attack.

Napoli are now in 11^th place of the league table with 30 points on the season. They are 1 point back of 10^th place Palermo and 4 points up on 12^th place Torino. They came up with a most important win at Livorno in week 24 by a score of 1-2 at the Stadio Armando Picchi. It was a huge win for the partenopei as it snapped a stretch that had seen them lose 3 of 4 contests. Manager Reja’s side will be limping into this 2^nd straight road match over the last 4 days as the potential exists for a number of absences. Marcelo Zalayeta, Santacroce and Cannavaro are all out suspended while Cupi, Garics, Iezzo and Pazienza while key player Ezequiel Lavezzi is listed as doubtful. Luckily for Napoli Roberto Sosa and Calaio are set to come into the attack. Calaio was the hero against Livorno when he started in place of Zalayeta.

Genoa must be seen as having the edge this week. Not only are they home but they will be taking on a Napoli outfit that will be playing their second straight road match and will be missing starting players both in attack and at the back. In addition, Napoli have won just 2 of 12 matches away from home this season.

Prediction: Genoa (1-0)

Udinese vs Genoa

Udinese are back home at the Stadio Friuli hoping to build off of an important win they picked up last week over Reggina. They will be hosting a Genoa outfit who will be trying to clear their system of a disappointing derby loss to Sampdoria at home.

Udinese were able to defeat Reggina by a score of 1-3 on the road at the Stadio Oreste Granillo. With that win they were able to snap a 2 match losing streak and put an end to a 4 match winless run which had seen them lose 3 times. They are in 6^th place of the Serie A table with 36 points. They sit 2 point behind 5^th place AC Milan and 2 ahead of 7^th place Sampdoria. Manager Marino has more than a few injury concerns this week as De Martino, Asamoah, Obodo and Mesto are all out while Colombian defender Zapata is doubtful. Pepe rounds out the list of players unavailable as he serves a suspension.

Genoa are in 10^th place of the league table with 29 points for the season. This leaves them 1 point behind Atalanta and 2 ahead of the fading Napoli as a result of the derby loss to Sampdoria by a score of 0-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Manager Gasperini will have to make due without two players this week as Wilson is injured and Danilo will be serving a one match suspension. Look for Il Grifone to go with a 3-4-3 formation- matching Udinese- with Sculli, Borriello and the Honduran international Leon in attack.

It’s hard to find a side with an edge in this match. Genoa have lost only 4 of 11 matches on the road this season while Udinese have dropped 3 of 11 at home. Neither side is setting Serie A on fire at this time in terms of their overall form, but Genoa could have a slight edge if Zapata is not able to start as he is crucial to the Udinese 3 man back line system. That could be the factor that tips this match in Genoa’s favor for their 4^th road win of the year.

Prediction: Genoa (1-2)

Genoa vs Sampdoria

Genoa and Sampdoria meet in another installment of the Genoa derby at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. With Genoa having spent a good part of the decade in Serie B, this match up has not been a prevalent making it all the more special this time around. The two sides are coming off of positive results in week 22.

Il grifone find themselves in 9^th place of Serie A with 29 points on the present campaign. They sit 1 point back of 8^th place Atalanta Bergamo and 1 point ahead of 10^th place Palermo. They are coming off of a 1-1 draw away to Livorno a week ago at the Stadio Armando Picchi. They are unbeaten over their last two matches. There are some important absences this week for manager Gasperini with Wilson out injured while Sculli and Santos are both suspended. Gasperini was having trouble finding a replacement for Sculli upfront to go along with Leon so he has finally decided on switching his formation this week to a 3-4-3 with Leon, Borriello, and Rossi featuring in a 3 man attack. The good news is that starting keeper Rubinho will be able to start despite a scare earlier in the week because of injury.

Sampdoria held serve at home last week with a 2-0 victory over Napoli. The win leaves them in 7^th place with 31 points, 2 back of 6^th place Udinese and 1 ahead of 8^th place Atalanta. They are playing very well of late and have posted 3 wins and 1 draw over their last 5 matches while conceding just 2 goals over their last 4 games. The injured list remains virtually unchanged this week with Montella and Sammarco out while Gastaldello is suspended. This will allow manager Mazzari to go with a 3-5-2 that will be very close to his ideal starting eleven with both Bellucci and Antonio Cassano in attack.

While the blucerchiati have lost 8 of 11 road matches this season, this is no ordinary day away from home. A derby is always something special and with both sides separated by only 2 points in the league table expect this match to be very close and hard fought.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)

AC Milan vs Genoa

AC Milan are back at the San Siro in round 20 of Serie A to host Genoa. The reigning world club champions are coming off of back to back league wins as they look to climb back into the European qualifying spots of the league table. The visiting Genoa are winners of 3 straight matches and are looking to climb up the table in their own right.

The rossoneri have actually already played two matches this week. They were winners on the road to Udinese last week by a score of 0-1 at the Stadio Friuli to start things off. Then they lost a Coppa Italia match away to Atalanta by a score of 2-1. It was only the first leg so they still have a chance of advancing. Carlo Ancelotti’s club have been very inconsistent this season. They seem to be one club in Europe and a much more vulnerable side in the domestic tournament. They currently sit in 10^th place of the league table with 24 points on the year and sit just 1 point back of 9^th place Palermo. There continue to be a number of injury concerns this week with Pippo Inzaghi, Jankulovski, and the Brazilians Serginho, Dida, and Ronaldo all having been ruled out. AC Milan look set to go with a 4-3-2-1 featuring new signing Alexandre Pato as the lone striker with Seedorf and Kaka just behind him.

Il Grifone come into this contest have strung together 3 straight victories over Parma at home, Lazio on the road and then at home to Atalanta Bergamo in week 19.Their unbeaten run now stands at 4 matches. At this time the side managed by Gasperini are in 8^th place of Serie A with 25 points for the campaign. This has them just behind 7^th place Sampdoria on goal difference, while also just ahead of 9^th place Palermo on goal difference. Out injured this week are Leon of Honduras and Gaetano De Rosa, while Criscito will sit this one out due to suspension. The absence of De Rosa will cause manager Gasperini to alter the 3 man back line with Lucarelli come in at the left side with Bovo moving to the center. The formation with remain a 3-4-3.

While Milan are certainly the superior side on paper this could potentially be tough match for inter given that Genoa play with 3 strikers. However, Pato will be going against a side that features a 3 man back line and that could play a big factor as well. Milan’s inability to win consistently at home, just 1 win in 8 matches, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

Lazio vs Genoa

Lazio and Genoa meet in a battle of clubs struggling to find consistency this season. The two clubs have combined for just 2 wins between them over the last 5 rounds and find themselves in the bottom half of the Serie A league table.

The home side Lazio are currently in 14^th place of the league table with 18 points for the year. This leaves them just behind AC Milan on goal difference and 1 point ahead of Torino. They are coming off of a 2-2 draw away to Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

For this week’s match at home to Genoa the biancocelesti will be missing a number of players including Nigerian Stephen Makinwa who is away at the African Cup of Nations, and talented Argentine Cristian Ledesma who is serving a suspension. To say that manager Delio Rossi will be missing some creativity and pace in attack this week would be an understatement. The pressure will be on Rocchi and Pandev to provide the offense on their own. The two strikers have scored 5 and 7 goals respectively this season.

Genoa are doing a little better than Lazio and sit in 11^th place of the table with 19 points, 2 back of 10^th place Catania. Their last match saw them run out winners over Parma by a score of 1-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at Marassi. Brazilian Danilo is the main injury concern for manager Giampiero Gasperini who looks set to continue his 3-4-3 featuring Borriello in attack. The striker has produced 8 goals so far in the present campaign. Criscito is the player slated to cover for Danilo on the left side. Genoa have been playing better of late on the road and have held out for a draw in their last 2 away contests.

The truth is that neither of these clubs have impressed this season and don’t seem capable of mounting a serious challenge for a UEFA Cup position. Genoa’s improving road form coupled with Lazio’s inability to scare anyone at home- they have won just 3 of 9 matches- seems to indicate a deadlock.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)

 

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