On the last day of the transfer window, Genoa raised a few eyebrows by signing former striker Marco Borriello from Roma.
At the same time Borriello was putting pen to paper, the club sent last January’s $10.3m purchase Alberto Gilardino to Bologna – this was the second time Borriello has replaced Gilardino at a club. It seemed Genoa were trying to offload a bust in Gilardino and replace him with a player that hasn’t completely fit in at his three previous clubs; but a player the club knew well.
Though Gilardino got off to a red-hot start this season – making Bologna look brilliant and Genoa terrible – Borriello has come on strong over the Grifone’s last five matches. The big Italian has scored three in his last four, and he is a major reason the club sit on nine points.
While Borriello has fit into the team nicely, Gilardino was always competing with fellow striker Rodrigo Palacio to be the focal point in the club’s attack. After good results early in his brief Genoa career, injury followed by poor form plagued Gilardino. His form was so bad toward the end of the season manager Luigi De Canio benched him.
Borriello is now in his second stint with the club – his third with a Marassi based team – having spent the 2007-08 season in Liguria. During that time the Italian experienced his best year in Serie A tallying 19 goals. Something he failed to do in his two following season at Milan.
Off to a flying start in his second spell with Genoa.
His bullying, never say die attitude has already enabled Genoa to snatch points they would have dropped a year ago. In recent matches against Lazio, Parma and Palermo the Italian has been the club’s most dangerous attacker, capable of scoring with both head and feet.
Already Borriello has shown the best of his abilities: Heading, scoring and holding up the ball. He showcased his ability to finish clinically against Lazio when the striker ran on to a flick and expertly slotted a left footed strike into the back of the net.
Last weekend, Borriello helped Genoa to a share of the spoils with his excellent header against Palermo. With a little luck, Borriello’s powerful play would have earned Genoa (at least) a point versus Juventus. Unfortunately, lady luck was not shining down on the club that day.
Not only has the striker’s ability made him an important part of the Grifone’s season already, but Borriello’s ability to stay healthy must have been a deciding factor in his signature. Part of Genoa’s nosedive in the table a year ago was Gilardino’s injury woes.
Borriello’s durability is just as important as his goal scoring and he averages nearly 25 games played a season in Serie A. Keep in mind, he was a bit part player last season for Roma – seven matches played – before signing with Juventus in January – 10 matches played.
Loved and hated equally: The controversial Enrico Preziosi.
But just as Borriello has been excellent over the last four matches, there is a caveat to his inclusion to the squad. Thus far fellow striker Ciro Immobile and Borriello have had some difficulty combining. Though the strikers have coalesced to score five goals, they haven’t created as many chances as expect when paired together.
This could be more of De Canio’s desire to often play without a playmaker in midfield. The manager has made the team difficult to beat and he has preferred a solid midfield over a creative one. The club have looked more dangerous with the likes of Cristobal Jorquera and (unnecessary signing) Juan Manual Vargas in the side. However, the club are currently difficult to beat and watching them grind out a scoreless draw or a 1-0 win is much better than seeing the defence give up goal after goal.
Thus far Borriello has proved to be a bargain signing and has scored as many goals as Milan’s Giampaolo Pazzini, Bojan and Robinho combined. Credit to Genoa president Enrico Preziosi and De Canio for their astute purchase.
There is no doubting De Canio has improved the side, but there is still room to grow. It must be remembered the club were in touching distance of a European place last January. This sparked the club to spend money and sack managers, which led to the spring tailspin. This cannot be overstated as with every good result the fear of something unnecessary becomes more realistic.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @calciofarmer.
