Genoa are set to face Cagliari in a crucial Serie A match this Sunday at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, marking the debut of new head coach Patrick Vieira. After a challenging start to the season, Genoa areeager to secure a victory that could help lift them out of the relegation zone. Currently, they sit just one point above the bottom three, making this encounter vital for their aspirations.
Genoa’s management made a significant decision during the international break by replacing Alberto Gilardino with Vieira, aiming to revitalize the team’s fortunes. Despite managing to earn four points from their last two matches against Parma and Como, concerns linger about the team’s overall direction. The Rossoblu’s current standing reflects a precarious situation in Serie A, where they are only slightly above Lecce, Monza, and Venezia in the relegation battle. With the league’s tight competition—where the top six teams are separated by just two points and only five points separate the bottom nine—Genoa’s need for a turnaround is pressing.
Historically, Genoa have struggled at home this season, having garnered only four points from seven matches at their stadium. This lack of home advantage is a significant concern as they prepare to host Cagliari.
On the other side, Cagliari come into this match in even worse form, having gone four matches without a win. Their recent record includes three consecutive losses followed by a dramatic 3-3 draw against AC Milan, where Gabriele Zappa scored twice to equalize late in the game. While this draw provided a glimmer of hope, Cagliari’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, with the team conceding two or more goals in each of their last five league matches.
Cagliari’s historical performance at Genoa adds to their challenges; they have not won any of their last eight Serie A visits to this venue and have managed only one win in their last nine encounters overall against Genoa. This dismal record will weigh heavily on their confidence as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
Team News
In terms of squad availability, Genoa face several injury concerns. Key players such as Junior Messias and Caleb Ekuban are expected to miss out due to thigh injuries. Additionally, Koni De Winter and Pierluigi Gollini are sidelined with muscle issues, while Ruslan Malinovskyi is out with a broken ankle. Despite these setbacks, Andrea Pinamonti has emerged as a crucial player for Genoa, having scored two of their last three goals at home.
Cagliari, however, approach this match with a fully fit squad. They will likely field an unchanged lineup after their encouraging performance against Milan. Roberto Piccoli is expected to lead the attack for Cagliari as they aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Genoa.
Expected Starting XIs
Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, Vogliacco, Bani, Maturro; Zanoli, Badelj, Frendrup, Martin; Pinamonti, Ekhator
Cagliari: Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Match Prediction
As both teams look for vital points in their battle against relegation, expectations for this match are high yet cautious. With Vieira’s new tactics yet to be fully integrated into Genoa’s gameplay and Cagliari’s recent defensive frailties evident, a closely contested match seems likely.
Prediction: Genoa 1-1 Cagliari
