Genoa vs Torino: Match Preview, Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Genoa and Torino are set to clash at Stadio Ferraris in a crucial Serie A match on Sunday. With both teams currently above the relegation zone, they desperately need points to secure their top-flight status. The stakes are high as they look to reverse their fortunes.

Match Preview: Genoa vs Torino

Genoa recently achieved a 0-0 draw against Cremonese, after a series of matches that included a notable victory and two losses. The Grifone has shown defensive improvement, having secured clean sheets in three of their last six Serie A games. However, their inconsistency remains a concern, and they currently sit just three points clear of the relegation zone.

The team, managed by Daniele De Rossi, has notably lost seven points from winning positions this season. Their strategy has heavily relied on set pieces, with Leo Ostigard, their center-back, among the top goal scorers. Approximately 48% of their goals this season have come from dead-ball scenarios. At home, they have won three of their 13 league games but maintain an unbeaten streak against Torino in their last three encounters, successfully keeping a clean sheet in each.

Recent Performance

In contrast, Torino has struggled significantly, securing only four points from their last six matches. Despite a previous victory over Genoa earlier this season, their recent form has been dismal. The team has conceded 28 goals since November and suffered nine defeats, both of which are the worst statistics in the league this season.

• Genoa’s Serie A form: W D W L L D
• Torino’s Serie A form: L L L W D L
• Overall form for Torino: L L W L D L

Team News and Player Updates

For Genoa, De Rossi is likely to field a consistent team. Midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi has been in excellent scoring form, netting in three of his last four matches. Star striker Lorenzo Colombo has matched his personal best with six goals this season, while backup goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist is the only injured player. Tommaso Baldanzi is fit and expected to be on the bench.

On Torino’s side, captain Nikola Vlasic is also on six goals this season, contributing crucially to their attack. However, key player Che Adams is sidelined with a thigh injury. Therefore, Giovanni Simeone is anticipated to take a leading role in the forward line, contending for starting minutes with Duvan Zapata and Sandro Kulenovic.

• Genoa likely lineup: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Ellertsson, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo
• Torino likely lineup: Paleari; Marianucci, Maripan, Coco; Pedersen, Casadei, Prati, Lazaro; Vlasic; Simeone, Kulenovic

Prediction

Given both teams’ weaknesses in defense, this match is poised to be entertaining. Genoa, with a stronger attack, is likely to secure a 2-1 victory, especially with home ground advantage and a supportive crowd. The outcome will not only bolster their survival chances but also impact Torino’s plight.