Gian Piero Gasperini’s return to the coaching helm of Genoa didn’t get off to the start many tifosi would have hoped.
Despite dominating possession and nearly equaling Catania’s shots on target, Genoa needed an 87th minute own goal to leave the Stadio Angelo Massimino with a point. In the end, it was a deserved point; though Genoa struggled to break down the Elefanti’s defence for most of the match.
Gasperini’s return immediately heralded the return of the 3-4-3, a formation that the Italian is both famous and infamous for. It is a formation he became well-known for in his first Genoa stint, yet it is a system that ignited the fire of criticism that he suffered while Inter boss.
On Sunday, the move to the 3-4-3 from the 3-5-2 may not have seemed like much. However, Genoa controlled the game for vast swaths and continually put Catania under pressure. Though the 18-yard box seemed to be the Grifone’s Kryptonite.
Gasperini re-called Juraj Kucka and Mario Santana, two players that faded in and out of the game, and played both in advanced roles supporting the main striker Alberto Gilardino. The striker worked his socks off during the 90 minutes, holding the ball up when needed and drawing important fouls. His work-rate and the players supporting him in attack showed two important factors: Gilardino is still a top striker and that the club are lacking in the attack department around him. At least the club were in the opening half.
Like last season, Genoa were happy to let players leave the club in the summer. However, like last summer, the club’s hierarchy didn’t bring in proper replacements or upgrades. Genoa had tried to land Marco Borriello from Roma, at the expense of Gilardino, but the deal fell through. Meanwhile, Genoa allowed Antonio Floro Flores to move to Sassuolo and replaced him with the lesser talents of Emanuele Calaio. A player that could be called the ‘poor man’s’ Floro Flores. Or at least the slightly less paid.
The Romanian has looked Impressive in Genoa red and blue this term.
The team’s eradicate summer mercato is showing again this season. But of course, Genoa have a new coach; therefore the squad will most likely be blown up in the next transfer window. Gasperini will want ‘his’ brand of players, if he is still coach in January, and Genoa have made it a yearly habit of buying veterans that can help prevent the drop in each of the last three or four winter markets.
Despite only one of Genoa’s six goals being scored by a striker from open play, there is enough hope that Gasperini will have things turned around by Christmas. One solution would be to play Romanian winger Adrian Stoian from the start. Stoian, on loan from Chievo Verona, has been outstanding when used as a substitute. He has the flare that the side is routinely missing or trying to find in Santana.
Genoa also have the “Greek Messi” in their side. Ioannis Fetfatzidis joined from Olimpiacos at the end of the summer, and like Stoian, the little winger has been impressive in substitute appearances. Unfortunately like Stoian, Fetfatzidis hasn’t been given the chance to truly show his worth; though he did exhibit some brilliant flashes last Sunday in his nearly 30 minute appearance.
Gasperini has some talent at his disposal. However, he may have to break from using the tried and true Serie A veterans and give one of these two exciting wingers a chance if the Grifone are going to show more excitement in their attack.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter: @CalcioFarmer. Drew is a Forza Italian Football Features Editor and Genoa Correspondent. He also hosts the Forza Italian Football Club Focus Podcast.
