With the first full month of the Serie A season in the books, Genoa have defied all expectations – at least my expectations. The club sit mid-table on eight points after six games. Even in a week where the club played twice, the Grifone were able to pick up positive results against Parma and Udinese.
Some may say two points from a possible six is sub-par. However, recalling the tumultuous second half of the season Genoa endured last term, should prove that two points from six is an adequate accomplishment. Especially in a season that Genoa must consolidate their top-flight status.
The Grifone were in a similar position last season after their opening six matches. Only to fall away after Christmas thanks to Enrico Preziosi’s pursuit of European football. His pursuit saw the club bring in several new players in January, including Alberto Gilardino; who is now a star at Bologna filling the gap left by Marco Di Vaio. His excellent form begs the question: Why couldn’t he fit in at the Marassi?
Genoa’s draws against Parma and Udinese are excellent examples of how far the club have come since Luigi De Canio took over last spring. The Grifone outplayed Parma on the day, yet still found themselves behind after 30 minutes. Making matters worse was Marco Borriello’s penalty miss in the second half. However, the Grifone dug deep and Borriello made amends when he converted an 88th minute penalty. This would not have happened seven months ago.
Last year’s Genoa would have collapsed long before equalising. De Canio’s impact on the team can’t be understated. Though I’ve questioned his lack of using Alexander Merkel and Cristobal Jorquera, the Italian has gotten the best out of the players he has picked.
De Canio has been consistent in his player selection. He has favoured players that work on both sides of the ball, rather than those – Jorquera and Merkel – who provide more flare and open the team up. It will be interesting how De Canio deploys Juan Manual Vargas – a player that was an unnecessary signing during the mercato – once he returns from injury.
Just as De Canio’s impact can’t be understated, his work with the club’s defence can’t be devalued either. The team have given up only seven goals thus far and have kept three cleansheets. An impressive improvement on Alberto Malesani’s Genoa of last autumn. Let us all remember Genoa gave up the most goals in Serie A last season at 69 – seven more than this weekend’s opponent Palermo.
While the defence has kept it tight at the back, the attack has been absent over the past three matches. Starlet Ciro Immobile has cooled off, while De Canio has chosen the likes of Anselmo and Andrea Bertolacci to be his creative players in the midfield. Neither have excelled at unlocking the defences, and Genoa’s win against Lazio was more down to grit, determination and luck than attacking football.
Genoa have a chance to distance themselves further from the relegation zone on Saturday when the club take on Palermo. Despite the Sicilians’ big win over Chievo – whose time in Serie A maybe up – Genoa are the better team on paper. Yet, Genoa routinely show being better on paper is far different than being better on the pitch.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @calciofarmer
