After five matches unbeaten, including wins over Lazio and Udinese, Genoa’s resurgence came to an end against an inspired Roma side.
The 3-1 scoreline, in fairness, flattered Roma. The Grifone were up for this match and gave the Romans a run for their money for large parts of the game. In the end, however, Genoa looked exhausted for the second straight week as well as completely out of ideas. Perhaps the influence of coach Davide Ballardini is wearing off. It can’t be ignored Genoa were lucky to leave the Renzo Barbera with a draw the week before, and with 11 matches to go and a mere five points from the relegation zone; Genoa could revert back into the funk that permeated the club prior to Ballardini’s arrival.
Genoa were a wounded animal going into last Sunday’s late game, however. The club once again have been ravaged by injuries. Something that has been all too common place in the last two season. And one of several reasons to explain the club’s poor record during that time.
Due to the new injury bug at the Marassi, Genoa were only able to name eight substitutes rather than the full allowance of 12. Not a good sign. Missing last Sunday were two of the club’s most influential players, not just since Ballardini arrived but, all year. Andreas Granqvist’s omission from the starting XI left a large whole at the back and though Cesare Bovo filled in admirably, Granqvist’s play in the team’s back three has been one of the reasons for Genoa’s transformation in recent weeks. Add in Granqvist centre back partner Thomas Manfredini and the reasons for giving up three goals for the first time under Ballardini becomes apparent. Manfredini tore his right thigh muscle against Palermo and is set to be out for a few more weeks. Despite being prone to error at times, Manfredini has settled in well in a back three alongside Granqvist and Daniele Portanova.
Has become an important part of Genoa’s back three since his January move from Atalanta.
Just as big, if not bigger, than the unavailability of Granqvist and Manfredini was the missing Matuzalem. The Brazilian has been a revelation since arriving in Liguria during the January mercato. Matuzalem, who was frozen out at Lazio at the end of last season, has been in fine form and has made it a mission to prove he is still a highly capable Serie A midfielder. His passing and control of the midfield’s tempo has been sorely missed, but his influence on other players may be the biggest missing factor in Genoa’s team.
Since the start of 2013, midfielder Juraj Kucka had put himself back at the forefront of Serie A midfielders. Yet, without Matuzalem next to him, Kucka has not had the in same lustre in the middle of the park. His ridiculous sending off at the weekend – ridiculous on behalf of the official – will prevent Kucka from taking part in the team’s next fixture against Milan.
It is Genoa’s upcoming fixtures that should, once again, cause some concern amongst Grifone supporters. The Rossoneri will visit the Marassi prior to Genoa’s trips to Fiorentina and Napoli sandwiching a home tie against Siena. This next round of fixtures could be Genoa’s breaking point as both Siena, Palermo and Pescara are still within grasp of Italy’s oldest football club; all three a mere five points back. Fortunately, after the Napoli match the run-in looks a little more favourable. The team must get something from their next two, however, as Genoa are still 10 points away from the famed 36 points. History tells us 36 points is the magical line of safety, but those 10 points might as well be 100 with Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli up in the next few weeks.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @CalcioFarmer, Drew is the Forzaitalianfootball.com Genoa correspondent and also hosts the Forzaitalianfootball.com weekly Club Focus podcast.
