The Stadio Luigi Ferraris will host a pivotal match between two struggling Rossoblu sides this weekend as Genoa welcomes Bologna in a Serie A encounter that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.
Genoa, under increasing pressure, find themselves in the relegation zone after a dismal run of form. Their recent 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Atalanta BC highlighted the team’s defensive frailties, having conceded a league-high 15 goals this season. Manager Alberto Gilardino faces mounting scrutiny, with his side having lost four of their last five league fixtures.
Bologna, while sitting slightly more comfortably in 13th place, have also failed to meet expectations. New coach Vincenzo Italiano has managed just one win in nine matches across all competitions. The Felsinei’s tendency to draw games has become a defining characteristic of their season, with five draws in seven Serie A matches.
Recent history favors Genoa in this fixture, with Bologna winning only one of their last 10 Serie A meetings. However, Bologna’s unbeaten run of five consecutive league games provides a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
Genoa’s defensive woes, particularly in the second half of matches, will be a focal point. Bologna will likely look to exploit this vulnerability, potentially through the in-form Santiago Castro, who has been directly involved in four goals in his last four Serie A appearances.
Conversely, Genoa’s search for a reliable goalscorer continues. The potential signing of Mario Balotelli, subject to Gilardino retaining his position, adds an intriguing subplot to the match.
Team News
Gilardino faces a selection crisis with several key players sidelined. First-choice goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini joins a lengthy injury list including Milan Badelj, Junior Messias, and Ruslan Malinovskyi. Belgian defender Koni De Winter’s absence due to a muscular injury could see Alessandro Vogliacco return to the starting lineup.
Bologna’s squad has been bolstered by the return of Jhon Lucumi from suspension and Tommaso Pobega from injury. However, they remain without Scotland international Lewis Ferguson and Nicolo Cambiaghi. The forward line presents a selection dilemma between Thijs Dallinga and the in-form Santiago Castro.
Expected Starting XIs
Genoa: Leali; Vogliacco, Bani, Vasquez; Zanoli, Thorsby, Bohinen, Frendrup, Martin; Miretti; Pinamonti
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Erlic, Miranda; Freuler, Aebischer; Orsolini, Fabbian, Ndoye; Castro
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ propensity for late goals (Genoa 60% and Bologna 43% of goals scored in the final 15 minutes), a tense finish seems likely. Bologna’s more stable recent form gives them a slight edge, but Genoa’s desperation for points could fuel a spirited performance.
Prediction: Genoa 1-1 Bologna
