Bari-Genoa is a Serie B Week 19 match and is played on Monday at 20:30: odds, predictions, TV and streaming
It is the highlight of this tasty Serie B Boxing Day, which coincides with the final day of the first half of the Serie B season. Bari and Genoa, as well as representing two of Italy’s most populous cities, are currently paired in third place on 30 points. Three less than second-placed Reggina and six points behind first-placed Frosinone.
There are 90 previous meetings between these two historic clubs, who have faced each other on several occasions between Serie A and Serie B, although the last head-to-head took place in 2011, more than a decade ago, and was played in the top flight. Both come from two hard-fought direct clashes. Bari emerged unscathed from the one at the ‘Granillo’ in Reggio Calabria, which ended in a scoreless draw. Genoa, on the other hand, scored their second victory under Gilardino’s management at the Marassi, beating none other than the leading Frosinone side – unbeaten for 10 matches – who had to surrender to Icelandic Gudmundsson’s goal (1-0). Seven points in three matches for the former Fiorentina striker, who seems to have succeeded in winning the club’s trust (initially he was only supposed to be a ferryman). There is a clear turnaround for the Grifone with respect to the Blessin era, exonerated after two defeats in a row against Perugia and Cittadella.
With the draw against Reggina, the number of consecutive useful results for Michele Mignani’s team has risen to eight, and in this match they will find again their goal scorer Cheddira, one of the protagonists of the incredible World Cup in Morocco. Bari, however, must unblock themselves in front of their own public, where so far they have barely won two matches out of seven.
Bari-Genoa: the latest line-up news
Two important returns for Mignani, who in attack will again be able to count on Cheddira – the Italian-Moroccan should start on 1′ – and Maiello, disqualified in Reggio Calabria. For the rest, there will be no particular changes in the white and red eleven.
Gilardino travels to Puglia without Portanova, Pajac and Ekuban, the only unavailable players. He plans to confirm Gudmundsson after his winning goal against Frosinone: the Icelandic will form the offensive trident along with Aramu and Coda. Sabelli will be on the left flank.
The Prediction
As with all big matches, we predict a match that is open to any kind of result, between two teams on a winning streak and who want to keep their noses to the grindstone. Both should score at least one goal each, and it would be no surprise if the match ends in a draw.
Bari v Genoa line-ups
- BARI (4-3-1-2): Caprile; Di Cesare, Vicari, Pucino, Mazzotta; Maita, Maiello, Benedetti; Botta; Folorunsho, Cheddira.
- GENOA (4-3-1-2): Semper; Hefti, Bani, Dragusin, Sabelli; Frendrup, Strootman, Jagiello; Aramu; Coda, Gudmundsson.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1