When Sampdoria defeated Genoa in the Derby della Lanterna on September 28th, there was something remarkably familiar about the outcome given that the two sides had played out a near identical hard-fought match just seven months prior, both low on quality and ending in a 1-0 victory for the Blucerchiati.
However, while the Grifone dominated possession back in February, a general lack of creativity saw Gian Piero Gasperini’s team offering little attacking threat.
This is all set to change with Diego Perotti however. The Argentine’s arrival at Genoa on a four-year deal from Sevilla could be a major coup for the Serie A club.
For the man who completed a degree in criminology at Seville University in fear of his football career not coming off, the challenge of cracking open the tight Serie A defences should prove an exciting test for the new Genoa trickster. With his quick movement, pace and vision, Genoa now possess an priceless tool to fulfill their season’s ambitions.
Perotti arrived after just one ‘full’ season in Andalusia, scoring four times in 28 La Liga appearances. After following up again the next year, Perotti struggled to remain a first-team regular and was allowed to leave despite playing a vital role in the Europa League success last term, albeit missing the final in Turin.
Signed from unknown Argentine third division team Deportivo Moron for just €125,000 his performances soon took him to the first-team and he appears to be starting in a similar vein of after form for the Rossoblu.
Owner Enrico Preziosi is certainly not regretting the move that was suggested by son Fabrizio stating that “Perotti is making a major contribution, it was never a gamble [signing him], but a certainty.”
Small, skillful and extremely quick he has been ever-present this season, lining up on the right-hand side of Gasperini’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, and while some will point to the fact that his one goal and assist both came a week later during the 2-1 victory over Lazio, his willingness to probe opposing defences continues to impress and is a signal of his ongoing improvement.
He has shown an incredible eye for a pass when drifting inside, and if his fellow Grifone attackers can begin to read his movement more accurately then they could become one of the surprise packages this season. His crossing, which can be incredibly accurate, will also benefit the aerial strength of striker Mauricio Pinilla.
At 26 years old, Perotti is not only reaching his peak years as a footballer but will also be acutely aware that Genoa represents his last chance to make a significant impact on the European stage.
Last season Genoa had the stingiest defence of the bottom half of the table, but were woeful offensively, contributing just 41 goals. If they can consolidate their defensive resilience, and Perotti unlock them at the other end, then there is no reason why Genoa could not aim for the European qualification the likes of Parma and Torino were able to achieve last season.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
