Struggling Serie A teams in form, Genoa, and Como meet at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Thursday, with both teams averaging less than a point per game this season. Coming fresh off of a narrow win, Genoa looks to continue their momentum as Como look to end the dismal run of form.
Match Preview
A late Andrea Pinamonti goal sealed a second league win against Parma on Monday, moving them onto nine points, and just outside the relegation zone. In the dying embers, head coach Alberto Gilardino made another substitution as he brought on the recently signed free agent Mario Balotelli for his debut.
Genoa is now trying to finally sign a home win streak for the first time since this season, and Stadio Luigi Ferraris is waiting for them to do just that. They are one of only two Serie A teams without a victory at home, along with Monza. Gilardino is keen to take the three points on Thursday.
Como’s Struggles and Recent Form
Head coach Cesc Fabregas made several changes in Monday’s match against Empoli, and it led to a 1-0 loss against Como, which maintained 60% possession. Como has only one point in their last five games and has struggled to keep goals off the board this season, conceding 22-acing the second team for most goals conceded this season, Verona. Without much defensive strength, Como find themselves in serious relegation trouble as there’s little margin for error with seven teams separated by just one point at the bottom of the table.
Current Form
Genoa Serie A Form: L-L-D-L-L-W
Como Serie A Form: W-L-D-L-L-L
Team News
Genoa
Then, Genoa are still troubled by an injury crisis for a lot of key players like goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, Mattia Bani, Junior Messias, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Koni De Winter, and Vitinha. On Monday, Alberto Gilardino made just one change in introducing Alessandro Zanoli on the right flank instead of Stefano Sabelli. Andrea Pinamonti, who netted his fourth league goal this season, is likely to find his partner in the very young Jeff Ekhator upfront as both Caleb Ekuban and Mario Balotelli are not fully fit yet.
Como
manager Fabregas is likely to recall the likes of Nico Paz, Patrick Cutrone and Emil Audero to the starting lineup after resting players during last week’s Empoli game. Sergi Roberto and Ignace Van der Brempt are ruled out for Como with injuries in their thighs. The visitors may also be without the services of Luca Mazzitelli due to calf issues, while Maximo Perrone has a muscle strain. Matthias Braunoder, however, comes back from suspension and should give Como’s midfield an extra boost.
Predicted Starting Line-ups
Genoa Possible XI
Leali; Matturro, Vogliacco, Vasquez; Sabelli, Thorsby, Badelj, Frendrup, Martin; Ekhator, Pinamonti
Como Possible XI
Audero; Goldaniga, Dossena, Kempf, Moreno; Engelhardt, Braunoder; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Prediction: Genoa 1-0 Como
Genoa are poised to fight their way to three points and earn successive victories against two newly promoted sides. The Grifone’s grit made them good value against Parma, and with Como still getting their feet wet under Fabregas, Genoa’s fans might finally see an ugly, hard-fought victory at home.
