The stage is set for a crucial clash at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris as Genoa takes on Cagliari in Serie A’s gameweek 13. Newly appointed Genoa manager Patrick Vieira will look to make a winning start against a Cagliari side that sits just one spot ahead of them in the league standings.
Genoa vs. Cagliari: Key Highlights
Genoa are 17th in the Serie A table with 10 points, whereas Cagliari are 16th with 11 points.
Both teams are having one of their poorest defensive campaigns this season and are eager to win in order to move away from the relegation zone.
Genoa have not won at home this season, picking up just four points from seven matches at Luigi Ferraris
Match Preview
Genoa
The international break brought fundamental changes to Genoa as Patrick Vieira took over from Alberto Gilardino in the head coach role. Even with wins over Parma and a draw with Como in his last two games, Gilardino was let go in the quest for a new direction by Genoa.
The home form of Genoa remains a worry, with the Grifoni being one of only two Serie A teams yet to register a home victory this season. Still, a win on Sunday could see the Ligurian side leap as high as 13th in the standings, providing some hope for better times under the guidance of Vieira.
Recent Form:
Serie A: LDLLWD
Cagliari
Cagliari are also under pressure, with a four-match winless streak heading into this game. Despite a spirited 3-3 draw against AC Milan before the break, their defensive frailties have been a major issue, conceding at least two goals in each of their last five Serie A matches.
That’s ominous news when considering the Sardinian side’s record at Genoa reads a dire no wins in their last nine visits across Serie A and Serie B, including seven defeats. A positive result this time would require an improved defensive performance.
Recent Form:
Serie A: DWLLLD
Team News
Genoa
Injury concerns for Genoa include Junior Messias and Caleb Ekuban-thigh injury, Koni De Winter, Pierluigi Gollini, Vitinha-muscle issues, Ruslan Malinovskyi-broken ankle.
Key forward Andrea Pinamonti, having netted two of his team’s last three home goals, is expected to start in support of Jeff Ekhator, while Mario Balotelli should play from the bench.
Predicted Genoa Starting XI:
Leali; Sabelli, Vogliacco, Bani, Maturro; Zanoli, Badelj, Frendrup, Martin; Pinamonti, Ekhator
Cagliari
Cagliari welcome back Michel Adopo and Yerry Mina, who are expected to be among the starters after serving suspensions. Nevertheless, the visitors still depend on Roberto Piccoli, who has scored twice this season, to lead their attack.
Predicted Cagliari Starting XI:
Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Prediction: Genoa 1-1 Cagliari
While Patrick Vieira’s arrival adds an element of unpredictability to Genoa, their winless home form does put doubts over whether they will secure all three points. At the same time, the defensive struggles for Cagliari may limit their chances for a win away from home. A hard-fought draw seems the most likely scenario.
