It’s not the result of last Saturday’s game that was surprising, rather, it was the performance that Genoa put in on the day. Despite two goals from Juventus striker Alessandro Matri Il Grifone dug in and pegged back the Old Lady not once, but twice earning a much deserved draw.
Alexander Merkel was in the starting XI for the second straight week, and was Genoa’s best player on the day. Merkel came close to getting his first Serie A goal of the season just missing wide on a free-kick and also hitting the crossbar on a header. It’s nice to see Merkel finally is getting a chance to prove himself.
It wasn’t just Merkel, however, that stepped up on the day. Genoa talisman Rodrigo Palacio has been well out of form since scoring his last goal against Parma on Oct 2, and Il Rossoblu finally had someone else step up. As a matter of fact they had two players step up to get the goals.
Alberto Malesani finally went back to what worked in the opening matches of the season and that was 4-4-2. Most recently he has played with a diamond midfield that has been over run, however, he went back to the team’s strengths against Juve.
One of those strengths was playing Marco Rossi in the midfield. Giandomenico Mesto was finally fit again and slotted into right back allowing Rossi to get forward and score Genoa’s opening goal. The much panned (by me) Juraj Kucka was dropped to the bench and Felipe Seymour was in his place along side Miguel Veloso. Though, he did come on late and set up Andrea Caracciolo for equalizer.
After one point in nine Malesani finally changed his personnel. In the center of defense next to Dario Dainelli was Emiliano Moretti who is usually played at left back. Meanwhile, Bosko Jankovic was called upon again to man the left side of midfield and Merkel slotted in behind Palacio.
Along with giving some fresh players a run out in a big match Malesani was proactive making the first substitute, Caracciolo, of the match which would pay off in the end. With using Caracciolo as the first substitute off the bench Malesani did something that was completely un-Malesani. He didn’t bring Lucas Pratto on first, or at all for that matter.
One thing is clear thus far and that is only three players’ spots are guaranteed: Palacio, Veloso and Sebastien Frey. However, if Palacio and Veloso continue to stutter with form as they have over the past three to four games Malesani has options off the bench that can slot in.
It was great result for Genoa, but let’s not kid ourselves. It’s much easier to get up for a game against Juventus than against Lecce. This week Genoa host a Roma team that is slowing finding their feet, and Genoa has to get up again with a short turn around. A let down wouldn’t be a surprise, and Malesani’s game plan and starting XI is anyone’s guess. Roma only sit two points ahead of Il Rossoblu, who could circumvent the capital club with a win.
It’s a difficult week for the club as they end the month away to Fiorentina on Sunday. Genoa started the season well picking up seven points from nine, but since the beginning of October they have only gained two points; consistently picking up draws is going see this club sink to the bottom of Serie A.
Fortunately, a draw against Juventus is a result to build on. Unfortunately, the fixture list doesn’t get any easier until the end of November. That’s if you call Novara and Cesena easy.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter: @CalcioFarmer
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