Genoa

Genoa were soundly beaten by Lazio over the weekend, 4-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, which featured a hat-trick from Ciro Immobile (45'+1, 63', & 76'). The defeat leaves the Old Fool with back-to-back losses, DDWLL, and in 19th place, having picked up 22 points from 2W, 16D, and 14L. Alexander Blessin has picked up only one victory in the managerial seat for Genoa after ten games in charge, 10G: 1W, 7D, & 2L, a 10% win rate, but hopes to upset AC Milan on Friday. Il Vecchio Balordo could line up with the 4—2—3—1, leaving Roberto Piccoli in attack.

Genoa picked up a 1-1 draw in the relegation battle against Venezia last weekend at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium. An unmarked Thomas Henry (13’) headed in at the back post, leaving the Winged Lions in the lead inside the first fifteen minutes. Sixteen minutes later, Caleb Ekuban (29’) peeled away before firing into the bottom corner for the leveler. Despite several clear-cut chances after the break, both sides failed to hit the back of the net. The draw leaves the Old Fool with four consecutive draws and without a win in five Serie A games, LDDDD. In 19th place, Genoa, with 16 points from 1W, 13D, and 12L, are six points short of safety. The German manager, Alexander Blessin, remains without a win in four games [4G: 0W, 4D, & 0L] after slipping into the managerial seat following the exit of Andriy Shevchenko. Blessin believes his side can cause an upset on Friday when they welcome Inter to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. "I always think positive. You can see the smaller teams can beat the bigger ones. We saw already this weekend, Milan [vs. Salernitana 2-2] and Juventus [vs. Torino 1-1] were surprised," Alexander Blessin said after the game against Venezia. "We have Inter next, a really strong team, but we can’t we go into this game and think perhaps we win? We try to find ways to win the game and hope for a little more luck," the Genoa boss added. The 48-year-old could line up the 4—4—2 with Mattia Destro and Caleb Ekuban in attack once again.

Meanwhile, Alexander Blessin picked up a point on his first day on the job after a goalless draw against Udinese at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Matchday 23. The hierarchy had swung the axe to see the former Ukraine national team coach, Andriy Shevchenko, shown the exit following a disastrous run of form which saw the Old Fool with one victory in 11 games [1W, 3D, & 7L] under his stewardship. Genoa remains in 19th place, having picked up 13 points from 1W, 10D, & 12L. They are without a win in five games: DDLLD, ahead of this fixture against AS Roma. Having the second-worse defense in the league, [after Salernitana, 53 goals], Il Vecchio Balordo has conceded 45 goals so far this season. Genoa’s inability to create and lack of quality in the squad leaves Alexander Blessin with the uphill task of steering the club out of the murky waters of relegation. The 48-year-old could line up the 4—3—3 formation as he hunts for his first win in Genoa’s colors, leaving Mattia Destro as the focal point of attack. Andrea Cambiaso [79' R.] picked up a red in the goalless draw against the Little Zebras and is suspended for this fixture against the Little Cubs.

A bitter reunion followed Andriy Shevchenko’s meeting against his former team, AC Milan, in the midweek fixture, which ended in a 3-0 defeat for Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (10’) had put Milan in front in the first ten minutes before a brace from Junior Messias (45’ & 61’), spaced across both halves, saw Genoa remain without a win in five Serie A games: DDLDL. Genoa remains in 18th place on the Serie A table, having picked up 10 points from 1W, 7D, & 7L. With the outcome of the game between Genoa and Milan, it is evident Shevchenko must focus on both ends of the pitch. With a goal ratio of 1.13 goals scored per game, Genoa has 17 goals after 15 Serie A games. The club has conceded 29 goals (1.93 goals per match) so far this season and has a G.D. of -12. Andriy Shevchenko could line up a dynamic 3—5—2 formation despite missing as many as five key players from the squad. Caleb Ekuban and Flavio Junior Bianchi are expected to form the pair in Sheva’s forked attack as he continues the hunt for his first victory (0W, 1D, & 2L) in the coaching seat for Genoa.

Genoa are coming off the back of a goalless draw, having failed to find a way through against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli over the weekend. Genoa had 8 shots, with 2 on target, while having 52% ball possession, which saw the club put 500 passes together. It was Shevchenko’s second game in charge of the club, having lost the first, 2-0, to Jose Mourinho’s Roma. Shevchenko had a few words to say after picking up his first point in Serie A as a coach. It’s worth a lot, because it was an away game against a solid team, very strong physically, Shevchenko told DAZN. It’s an important draw. We created a few chances in the second half, but I saw solidity on our side, so I am satisfied. I am happy with how the players are working; they have accepted my ideas. Shevchenko added. It will be a great emotion, but now I am only happy about the draw. Shevchenko concluded after being reminded on his return to Milan, where he cuts a legendary figure as the club's second-highest goal scorer (175G, 322A), trailing only Gunnar Nordahl (221G, 268A). Genoa are without a win in five games: DDDLD, and remain in the turbulent waters of relegation, in 18th place, having picked up 10 points after 1W, 7D, and 6L. Andriy Shevchenko adopted the dynamic 3—5—2 against Udinese and is expected to leave the formation in place for this fixture against AC Milan. Domenico Criscito and Mattia Destro remain doubtful for this fixture.

Andriy Shevchenko will be making his Serie A coaching debut when he goes head-to-head with his former coach, José Mourinho, [during his spell at Chelsea in the mid-2000's] on Sunday. The 45-year-old put pen to paper to become Genoa’s new boss in a deal which would keep him at the helm until 2024, following the sacking of Davide Ballardini. The latter was axed after the 2-2 draw against Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani just before the recently concluded World Cup qualifying round of fixtures. With just one victory in twelve Serie A appearances (1W, 6D, & 5L), the new American owners wielded the big stick in a bid to see Genoa maintain its Serie A status at the end of the season. Kicking off this new adventure to bring back Genoa to its great history, the 2004 Ballon d'Or winner, Shevchenko, wrote on Twitter right after his appointment was confirmed. Without a win in five Serie A games, DLDDD, Shevchenko finds himself up against the wall on his first day on the job as he looks to outwit 21 years of experience in the coaching seat, bundled together in the shape of the Special One. Genoa sits just above the bottom three, by goal difference, in 17th place, while having 9 points. Onlookers will be watching closely to see what pattern Shevchenko chooses for his coaching debut with the club.

Genoa were ripped to shreds by the title holders, Inter Milan on Match Day 1. The Rossoblù were thrashed 4-0 in the opening game of the season. A Milan Skriniar (6') header gave Inter Milan the early lead before summer signing, Hakan Calhanoglu (14') doubled the lead minutes later. Second-half substitute, Arturo Vidal (74') hit the back of the net before Eden Dzeko (87') wrapped up the three points for the defending champions at the San Siro Stadium. Newly appointed Inter Milan coach, Simone Inzaghi was satisfied with the result of his first game in charge after replacing Antonio Conte as the Nerazzurri Coach. Despite the departure of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, Inter looked as dominant as they did in the previous season. The Rossoblù will expect another difficult task on Sunday when they host Napoli at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. Genoa head coach, Davide Ballardini could select the dynamic 3—5—2 formation with the duo, Yayah Kallon and Pandev in attack. Centre-back, Mattia Bani remains sidelined with a calf injury and is ruled out of this game against Napoli.

Meanwhile, Genoa had an impressive run in the Italian league last season, picking up 42 points and finishing in 11th place on the table. Genoa would be eyeing another fine season and possibly a top-ten finish. The Rossoblù made reinforcements to the squad ahead of the new season. Veteran goalkeeper, Salvatore Sirigu joined the team on a free transfer from Torino. They also added a forward, Caleb Ekuban to the squad. Coach Davide Ballardini and his men are going to start the season with the difficult task of claiming their first few points from the Serie A champions. A fluid 3—5—2 formation aimed at balancing attack with defense is anticipated. Ekuban and Flavio Bianchi may be seen leading the attack once again. Ex-inter Milan players, Goran Pandev and Valon Behrami are suspended for this fixture.