The enigma that is Genoa football club picked up an unlikely point against Juventus last weekend. On second thought, perhaps it was likely.
Juventus have been in a three week scoring slump, and they drew the three preceding matches. Let’s not forget in October Genoa took a point from the Old Lady at their new stadium. Genoa were destined for a point on the day.
The best news for Genoa fans prior to kickoff, was the return of Alberto Gilardino, who missed the previous five matches due to a calf injury. Gilardino played the full 90 minutes, which was rather unexpected since it was his first match back.
Gilardino almost won the match for Genoa in the 79th minute when he beat the offside trap, but shot wide. It was Genoa’s best effort on the day, and Gianluigi Buffon was well beaten.
If the Italian striker can stay fit, he’ll be an important factor in Genoa’s final 11 matches— and could make the Italian Euro 2012 squad with a good run.
The Grifone were quite lucky to escape with a point against Juventus, however. The Old Lady hit the woodwork three times on the day, and Simone Pepe— the great Simone Pepe— had a goal wrongly ruled offside. No luck for the Hunchbacks.
Genoa are in the midst of a challenging four match run. This weekend they take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Over the last nine matches, Roma has been almost as inconsistent as Genoa. However, the Romans are with in striking distance of a European place, and will give Genoa all they want on Monday night.
January loan signing, Giuseppe Sculli, has picked up a knock this week, but should be fit in time for kickoff in Rome. Sculli is in his second spell with the club, and it was a masterstroke by manager Pasquale Marino to bring him back to the club. Sculli has two goals and two assists in eight matches since returning from Lazio.
Genoa desperately need to keep hold of players like Sculli this summer. Supporters should already be resigned to losing talisman Rodrigo Palacio. The Argentine should be high on most Serie A clubs’ wish lists. Meanwhile, Genoa must hold on to the remaining members of the squad, except a few players, and continue to build on the chunks of momentum they have built in 2011-12.
The Grifone are within touching distance of both Catania and Bologna in the table, but the way in which the three clubs have gotten to this point in the season differs greatly. While Genoa went from the upper half to the lower half of the table this season, Bologna have risen like a phoenix from the foot of the table into a mid-table club. Catania have been quite stable in Vincenzo Montella’s first season as he has installed an attacking 4-3-3 formation at the Sicilian club.
Similarly to Catania, Bologna are a club that execute the manager’s game plan and take their chances well— at least in their last 11 matches. Genoa on the other hand, are always in a manager or playing staff shuffle that affects the club’s style and identity. The club needs stability, but like Bologna and Catania, Genoa need players to work for the team— similar themes keep popping up every week.
Genoa beat Roma last October at the Marassi, thanks to an 89th minute sucker punch from Juraj Kucka. The Grifone have played well against the top seven sides this season, taking 16 points from a possible 30. Don’t be surprised if the Grifone turn up, and give Roma a game on Monday night.
Follow Drew on Twitter @calciofarmer
For all the latest Serie A news don’t forget to check out the news section of Forza Italian Football.
Join Forza Italian Football on Twitter and Facebook.
