Since the turn of the year Genoa have played nine matches securing 15 points in that time.
The Grifone have only lost twice since January 1 and continue to be one of the better teams in Serie A.
At the moment, Genoa sit above Napoli, Inter and Fiorentina in the form table over the course of their last six games. Which marks the second time the Grifone have bested several of the more marquee names in the Italian top-flight in the form table this season.
With the team’s Serie A status all but confirmed, many supporters may begin to look ahead to next season. Which doesn’t seem unreasonable at the moment. Though only six points separate Genoa and the final Europa League spot, there are six teams ahead of the Ligurian side. But the positive for Genoa is the club still have to play five of those six sides before the end of the season. That said, Genoa will need some help from the other sides in Serie A to propel themselves up the table if they hope to secure European football.
With the Europa League a long shot and Genoa 14 points above the relegation zone, it’s safe to say the team is in a comfortable position. In truth, Genoa are in the position the team rightfully should be with their talent and coaching. But as happens with Genoa each close season, the question is who will be left to play or coach the team next term?
Alberto Gilardino and Luca Antonini have both revived their careers at Genoa this season.
Right now, it would appear Gian Piero Gasperini’s job is safe. However, last season’s excellent finish didn’t save Davide Ballardini’s job. Gasperini seems to have topped what Ballardini did in his time with the Grifone. Yet, it must be remembered that Ballardini turned the club around with more than half the season gone already, while Gasperini had about three-quarters of the season still to play when he took over.
Assuming Gasperini’s job is safe, and bigger clubs not poaching him, attention must be turned to the playing staff. Currently, Genoa have a squad brimming with talent that is finally coming together and producing results. They may not play the most attractive football at times, but the team is getting points; and that IS the most important thing at the end of the day.
Genoa have several key players that could be sold at the end of 2013/14 including Alberto Gilardino (who had the chance to sign with Toronto FC in January, has scored 11 goals), Mattia Perin (who’s being tracked by AC Milan has 99 saves and nine cleansheets), Juraj Kucka (rumoured to leave last summer for Wolfsburg notched two goals in 11 games before injuring his knee) and Andrea Bertolacci (who could go back to Roma and improve their attack even more, has tallied two goals and an assist).
Losing all four players would be a massive blow, one not many clubs could come back from. Genoa do have prior in selling gobs of players at one time, which is something that has hurt them in years past.
When the club re-hired Gasperini in October, it signed a coach – like Ballardini – who could take the parts that were assembled and turn them into a cohesive team. If this team could stay together and not be broken up like it is assumed will be, it’s realistic Genoa could contend for a top five place in 2014/15. Though the team do need some pieces to augment what is already there.
With a solid finish this season, Genoa could inspire several key players to stick around for another term. Meanwhile, it could be the impetus for the Genoa board to hold’em rather than to fold’em.
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