Last year’s simultaneous promotion of two teams sets the stage for a divergent Serie A narrative this Saturday, with mid-table Genoa welcoming 18th-placed Frosinone to Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Frosinone, currently struggling to secure their inaugural away victory in the league this season, are compelled to halt their downward trajectory in the standings.
Match preview
After the conclusion of their latest international break, which witnessed top scorer Albert Gudmundsson further enhancing his market value ahead of the forthcoming transfer window, Genoa endeavors to secure Serie A safety and pursue a placement within the league’s top half by the conclusion of May.
Gudmundsson, notable for his standout performances with Iceland last week and his leading contributions in set-piece situations across Europe’s premier leagues this season, has been instrumental. Nonetheless, Genoa’s success upon their return to the top tier can be largely attributed to collective efforts rather than individual prowess.
The team’s recent scoring streak reflects this unity, with their last eight goals being netted by eight different players, including Gudmundsson and Italian forward Mateo Retegui. Consequently, Genoa, last season’s Serie B runners-up, are virtually assured of top-flight survival.
Currently occupying the 12th position after 29 matches, Alberto Gilardino’s squad managed a goalless draw against Juventus before the interruption caused by international fixtures, following consecutive defeats – their first since promotion.
As a consequence, Genoa has garnered merely one point from their last three fixtures, an occurrence only witnessed once before this season. They anticipate a return to winning ways, particularly against Frosinone, the team that finished above them in the Serie B standings last season.
Despite Frosinone clinching the Serie B title just under a year ago, their record against Genoa in Italy’s top flight is less favorable, having won only one of their five previous encounters. Notably, their sole victory occurred in the most recent clash, a dramatic 2-1 triumph at Stadio Benito Stirpe in November, featuring a late winner from Ilario Monterisi.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad seemed destined for a mid-table finish at that juncture of the season. However, following a 3-2 defeat against local rivals Lazio in their latest outing, their winless streak has extended to eight matches.
During this dismal run, Frosinone has suffered six losses, precipitating a decline to 18th place in the standings. Their once formidable home record now mirrors their struggles on the road, with only Granada amassing fewer away points among Europe’s top five leagues. Additionally, Frosinone’s defensive frailties away from home are conspicuous, with only Bundesliga strugglers Bochum conceding more goals on their travels this season.
Team News
Alberto Gilardino will have an expanded array of wing-back choices at his disposal for the upcoming Saturday afternoon fixture, with the return of Stefano Sabelli from suspension and Aaron Martin’s recovery from injury, allowing him to rejoin full training.
Consequently, Djed Spence and Junior Messias will encounter heightened competition to maintain their positions in the lineup. The retention of Vitinha as a supporting striker remains uncertain, with the possibility of Ruslan Malinovskyi returning to the starting XI for the hosts.
In tandem with Mateo Retegui in the forward line, Albert Gudmundsson (67) currently occupies the position just above Frosinone’s Matias Soule (60) as one of Serie A’s top two creators of scoring opportunities this season, both of whom have also contributed 10 league goals to their respective teams.
Nevertheless, despite his recent form, Juventus-owned Soule has not registered either a goal or an assist in his last six appearances, following a streak of direct involvement in five goals from the preceding six matches.
The Argentinian forward is anticipated to be positioned just behind Walid Cheddira, who is expected to secure a starting spot over another Juventus loanee, Kaio Jorge.
While the number of injured players for the visiting team is diminishing, Abdou Harroui (thigh), Riccardo Marchizza (muscular), and Anthony Oyono (ankle) are all slated to miss the journey to Liguria.
Genoa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; De Winter, Bani, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Badelj, Malinovskyi, Messias; Gudmundsson; Retegui
Frosinone possible starting lineup:
Turati; Zortea, Okoli, Romagnoli, Valeri; Brescianini, Barrenechea, Mazzitelli; Soule, Cheddira, Gelli