Serie A Preview: CFC Genoa - ACF Fiorentina
Genoa’s European ambitions
Genoa finished at a respectable ninth place last season as the club had an impressive summer transfer campaign. Miguel Veloso, Rafinha and Andrea Ranocchia were acquired along with veterans Kakha Kaladze and Luca Toni. With the new signings, experts believe
that the club should aim for a Europa league spot at the very least.
The start to this season however has not been a positive one. Their opening day victory was followed by a defeat and a draw. With the squad that they have, Genoa should get their heads down to work and improve before they face a big team from the top four.
Fiorentina in disarray
Former Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli did some fantastic work with Viola. However, before his project was put to completion, the prestigious Azzurri coaching position opened up and the coach left for greener pastures. Former Catania coach Siniša Mihajlović
was brought in to weave his magic. Nevertheless, Fiorentina has had a disastrous season so far. With just one solitary point from their opening three matches, the club is languishing at the 19th spot in the Serie A charts.
The press and some sections of the fans are already calling for the manager’s head and the players were forced to publicly back their coach. According to former coach Cesare Prandelli, the side is struggling as a lot of players are not in peak physical condition
following their World Cup appearances and the season ending in an injury to prodigious playmaker and forward Stevan Jovetic was a huge blow.
Nonetheless, Viola will look to bounce back and hit the ground running against Genoa.
Team News
CFC Genoa
Rafael Palladino, Luca Toni and Jankovic are injured and unavailable.
Expected Formation
Genoa will line up in an attacking 3-4-3 formation. Gian Piero Gasperini is a proponent of attacking football and against Fiorentina, the pattern will continue. Genoa will field a dangerous trio of Palacio, Sculli and Destro with much of goal scoring expected
of Palacio. Club Captain Marco Rossi will be partnered by youngsters Rafinha, Veloso and Criscito. Rafinha and Criscito will look to bring width to the squad while Velso and Rossi will look to dominate tempo.
Probable line-up
Eduardo, Andrea Ranocchia, Dario Dainelli, Emiliano Moretti, Rafinha, Marco Rossi, Miguel Veloso, Domenico Criscito, Rodrigo Palacio, Destro, Giuseppe Sculli.
ACF Fiorentina
Stevan Jovetic is out for most of the season after his ligament injury in the preseason while Gaetano D'Agostino is out as well.
Expected Formation
Fiorentina will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Gilardino will play alone upfront. Adem Ljajic will play just behind whim and will be flanked by Vargas and Cerci. Zanetti and Ricardo Montolivo will play in the central midfield roles. Sebastian Frey will
keep the gloves and must score a clean sheet if his team is to win.
Probable Line-up
Sebastian Frey, De Silvestri, Per Kroldrup, Alessandro Gamberini, Manuel Pasqual, Ricardo Montolivo, Cristiano Zanetti, Alessio Cerci, Adem Ljajic, Juan Manual Vargas, Alberto Gilardino.
Key Players
Rafinha
The Brazilian had an excellent time in Germany. His brilliance over the seasons made him a transfer target for some European giants. The player is yet to start firing for his new club and expectations will be sky high. The wing back will be playing the right
side of the midfield and thus will have lesser defensive duties. He should revel in the freedom and must provide quality services to his striker.
Gilardino
Alberto Gilardino has been hitting the back of the net consistently for the Voila for the last two seasons. Despite his international shortcomings, the forward is a quality striker and can be backed to score his first goal of the season.
Prediction
Fiorentina coach Siniša Mihajlović is under immense pressure and must come up with the desired results. Genoa is a dangerous side at home and the tie will prove to be a thrilling contest. Fiorentina’s superior quality will prevail in the end. Fiorentina
to just nick it 2-1
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