Genoa’s injury woes are easing as they prepare to face Monza in Serie A on Monday evening. Portuguese forward Vitinha and captain Milan Badelj have resumed training and could make the matchday squad. Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Caleb Ekuban are also available for selection.
However, Mattia Bani’s participation is in doubt after he was forced off during the recent defeat to Roma. This could lead to a defensive reshuffle, with Stefano Sabelli potentially starting at right-back and Koni De Winter moving to central defense.
The midfield is likely to see Patrizio Masini partner Morten Frendrup, with the latter boasting an impressive record of 71 tackles this season – the highest among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
Genoa have bolstered their attack
Embed from Getty Imagesing options with the loan signing of Maxwel Cornet from West Ham United, who could feature in the match.
Monza, meanwhile, have been active in the transfer market, bringing in Stefan Lekovic from Red Star Belgrade while selling Milan Djuric to Parma. The departure of Djuric means Daniel Maldini and Gianluca Caprari are expected to lead the line, especially with Dany Mota still sidelined due to a foot injury.
The visitors are dealing with several absences, including Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, Samuele Birindelli, and Luca Caldirola. Pablo Mari, who has attracted interest from Fiorentina, is also unavailable.
On a positive note for Monza, wing-back Pedro Pereira returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension, providing a boost to coach Salvatore Bocchetti’s options.
Genoa (4-2-3-1): Leali; Sabelli, De Winter, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Masini; Zanoli, Thorsby, Miretti; Pinamonti
Monza (3-5-2): Turati; D’Ambrosio, Izzo, Carboni, Kyriakopoulos; Ciurria, Bianco, Bondo, Akpa Akpro; Caprari, Maldini
