Genoa and Torino are set to clash in a crucial Serie A encounter at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday. This matchday 15 fixture promises to be an intriguing battle between two sides experiencing contrasting fortunes in recent weeks.
Genoa, currently sitting 14th in the Serie A table, enter this match with a newfound sense of optimism. Under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, the Rossoblu have shown significant improvement, going unbeaten in their last four league matches. Their most recent outing saw them secure a convincing 2-0 victory away at Udinese, marking Vieira’s first win since taking charge.
In contrast, Torino, positioned 12th in the standings, find themselves in a difficult patch. The Turin-based club have struggled for consistency, winning just one of their last five Serie A encounters. Their last victory came back in late October against Como, and they’ll be desperate to rediscover their winning touch.
Genoa’s recent upturn in form is particularly impressive considering their struggles at home this season. The Ligurian side is yet to taste victory at the Luigi Ferraris in the current campaign, having drawn five and lost three of their eight home fixtures. However, they’ll take heart from their recent performances and the fact that Torino have failed to score in their last two visits to Genoa.
Torino’s away form has been equally concerning. Il Toro have lost their last four consecutive away matches in Serie A, a run they’ll be keen to end. Their defensive frailties have been exposed on the road, having conceded the most shots on target (74) in the league so far.
For Genoa, Andrea Pinamonti will be the man to watch. The in-form striker has been involved in three goals in his last four league appearances and will be aiming to add to his tally of five Serie A goals this season. Milan Badelj, set to make his 263rd Serie A appearance, will be crucial in controlling the midfield for the home side.
Torino will look to Antonio Sanabria to provide the attacking threat. The Paraguayan forward is on the verge of a personal milestone, having contributed to 48 goals (39 goals, 9 assists) in Serie A. He’ll be eager to reach the 50-mark against Genoa.
Patrick Vieira has implemented significant tactical changes since taking over at Genoa, and these adjustments appear to be paying dividends. The former Arsenal midfielder has instilled a more possession-based approach, with Genoa showing improved ball retention in recent matches.
Paolo Vanoli’s Torino, known for their defensive solidity, have struggled to maintain their usual standards this season. They’ve particularly found it difficult to score goals, netting just twice in their last six Serie A outings. Vanoli will need to find a way to unlock his team’s attacking potential while shoring up their leaky defence.
Team News
Genoa will be without several key players for this clash. Johan Vasquez is suspended, while Koni De Winter, Caleb Ekuban, and Ruslan Malinovskyi are all sidelined with injuries. Aaron Martin will need to be cautious, as he’s one yellow card away from a suspension.
Torino also have their share of absentees. Duvan Zapata remains out with a long-term knee injury, while Perr Schuurs and Ivan Ilic are unavailable due to knee and hamstring issues respectively. Saul Coco and Sebastian Walukiewicz are both one booking away from a one-match ban.
Expected Starting XIs
Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vogliacco, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj, Thorsby; Zanoli, Pinamonti, Miretti
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Coco, Masina; Pedersen, Vlasic, Ricci, Gineitis, Lazaro; Adams, Sanabria
Match Prediction
Given the current form of both teams, Genoa will fancy their chances of securing their first home win of the season. Torino’s scoring woes and Genoa’s recent defensive improvements suggest this could be a low-scoring affair.
While Genoa’s home record this season is far from impressive, they seem to have found their rhythm under Vieira. Torino’s struggles on the road further tilt the balance in favor of the home side.
Prediction: Genoa 1-0 Torino
