Cremonese vs Genoa: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Cremonese and Genoa are set to face off in a crucial Serie A encounter at Stadio Zini on Sunday. Both teams find themselves at risk of relegation, locked on points as the season reaches a pivotal stage.
Match Preview
Currently, Cremonese is struggling, having gone ten matches without a win. This slump has left the team desperate to secure their place in the top tier, especially after finishing as playoff winners in Serie B last season. Since their last win, they have only managed a meager three points and have scored three goals in total, failing to register on the scoreboard in eight of those encounters.
Davide Nicola’s side recently ended a four-match scoring drought thanks to Morten Thorsby’s late goal against Atalanta. However, their position remains precarious as they drop near the relegation zone. A strong start to the season, marked by contributions from Federico Bonazzoli and Jamie Vardy, has since faded, leading to increased pressure on Nicola, a known expert in survival tactics.
Cremonese has struggled at home, winning only one out of their last ten games at Stadio Zini. They notably went 241 minutes without scoring at home, raising concerns as they approach tough matches against AC Milan and Roma in the coming weeks.
Genoa’s Current Form
Genoa enters this match with mixed results following two unfortunate defeats. A significant aspect of their recent performances is how each of their last three matches concluded with a scoreline of 3-2, resulting in both victories and losses. Their last win occurred in October, where they lost a closely contested match against Bologna, then fell to Lazio due to a controversial late penalty before suffering a back-to-back defeat in their most recent outing.
Despite these setbacks, since Daniele De Rossi took over coaching duties in November, Genoa has secured 17 points across 14 matches. They have shown scoring potential, falling only behind Inter Milan, Juventus, and Como in terms of goals scored this season. However, they have accrued 20 points dropped, making it one of their worst tallies at this stage since 2013.
Team News
Cremonese Updates
- Jari Vandeputte returns from a muscle strain injury.
- Michele Collocolo and Warren Bondo remain sidelined due to injuries.
- Mikayil Faye and Matteo Bianchetti are doubtful for the match.
- Recent loan signing Morten Thorsby is expected to feature against his parent club.
Genoa Updates
- Ruslan Malinovskyi is in good form with three goals in as many matches.
- Lorenzo Colombo has matched his season best with six Serie A goals.
- Benjamin Siegrist is the only confirmed injury absence.
- Tommaso Baldanzi could be fit enough to make the bench.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
The match on Sunday is set to be a closely contested battle. Both teams are in dire need of points to avoid relegation. While Genoa’s scoring prowess under De Rossi is commendable, Cremonese’s struggles present a stark contrast. Speculations suggest that the match could end with a narrow victory for Genoa, potentially inflicting further hardship on Cremonese.
The predicted outcome stands at Cremonese 1, Genoa 2, a result that could deepen Nicolà’s concerns for his position as head coach.
