Two teams started with the same objective, to maintain their category, but so far only Genoa has shown that they can do it, even without major problems given the Grifone’s position in the standings after twenty-four championship games. The change of coach last fall had the desired effect: Patrick Vieira, at his first experience as a coach in Serie A, managed to restore balance, getting the most out of a squad that has lost important players compared to last season.
During his time in charge, Genoa have only lost 3 matches against teams above them in the league table and who are fighting for different objectives (Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina). The high number of clean sheets is also striking: since the end of November the Rossoblù have collected 6 in 12 matches.
The 12th place and the seven points advantage over the third from last – this is the gap at the time of writing – allow Vieira to enter the “hot” phase of the tournament with a certain serenity. In the postponed 25th round, after two away games in a row (a week ago the away draw against Torino, 1-1), Genoa returns to Marassi to face Venezia, the other team that, together with Monza, seems destined for relegation. The team from the lagoon, who could have done more in the last transfer window, continue to miss out on three points: their last win was on December 22nd. Eusebio Di Francesco’s men, second to last, have also just come back from two consecutive defeats, against Udinese (3-2) and Roma (0-1). The league table, obviously, is not looking good. And without a strong jolt, it will take a miracle to avoid an immediate return to the second division.
Genoa-Venezia: the latest news on the lineups
Vieira finds De Winter in defense: the former Juventus player has served his suspension and will take his place in the center next to Vasquez. However, the absence in midfield of a regular starter like Thorsby, who injured his calf against Torino, and also that of the captain Badelj, who is in the infirmary like the Norwegian, will be felt. This means that young Masini will get a chance, while in attack it will be Ekuban and Pinamonti.
In Venezia, the striker Fila, who arrived in January to replace Pohjanpalo, who ended up at Palermo, will start from the 1st minute again: this time he will be supported by the returning Oristanio, who is favored over the Ecuadorian Yeboah. In defense Marcandalli-Schingtienne are in the running, while on the right wing Zampano is challenging Ellertsson.
Odds comparison
Genoa’s victory is quoted at 1.85 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai. The “Under 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.72 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.73 on Snai.
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The prediction
One of the three victories achieved so far by Venezia came against Genoa, beaten 2-0 in the first leg. However, it will be very difficult to repeat the result against a team that has become more solid and more self-confident than it was then. The rossoblù, who have won their last two matches at Marassi without conceding a goal, are slight favorites against the lagunari, who are still the only team never to have won away from home. The total number of goals should not be high.
The probable line-ups for Genoa-Venezia
GENOA (4-4-2): Leali; Sabelli, De Winter, Vasquez, Martin; Vitinha, Masini, Frendrup, Miretti; Pinamonti, Ekuban.
VENEZIA (3-5-2): Radu; Schingtienne, Idzes, Candé; Zerbin, Busio, Nicolussi Caviglia, Kike Perez, Zampano; Oristanio, Fila.
