Overview
Defeated by a penalty in injury time at Bologna, Genoa continued their winless streak in Serie A.
Mikael Egill Ellertsson took Grifone up early, but the home team rose up strongly, scoring 2 goals in the last 20 minutes at Dall' Ara.
Thus, Patrick Vieira's team is still tired of searching for the first victory in Serie A this season, after draws against Lecce and Como, and a 0-1 defeat to Juventus.
The only consolation came from Coppa Italia, where Genoa beat Vicenza in the first round and beat Empoli 3-1 in midweek. They came back from behind after being behind by a team that reached the semi-finals last season, thereby nurturing their dream of creating a surprise in the national cup.
This success could create psychological momentum before the international break, when Genoa have to step into two difficult challenges. They have to host Lazio at home, then travel to the home ground of defending Serie A champions Napoli.
In the upcoming match, Genoa will face an opponent they have not been able to overcome at home since 2019, and have only won 3 out of the last 18 encounters in Serie A.
After a 2-0 win at Marassi in April, Lazio have won all four of their most recent matches against Genoa, scoring 7 goals and conceding none.
History is in the side of Biancocelesti, but current form tells another story. Maurizio Sarri's team has only won 3 points after 4 opening rounds of Serie A, with two consecutive defeats against rookie Sassuolo and arch-rivals AS Roma.
In the recent Derby della Capitale, Nuno Tavares' mistake " gave" Giallorossi the decisive goal, putting the pressure on Sarri and his crisis-hit team.
Having a difficult start to his second term in Rome, Sarri has been limited by a surprise transfer ban, and the consequences seem to continue into this season.
The coach who once led Napoli certainly wants to avoid the scenario of becoming the only coach in Lazio's history to lose 4 out of the first 5 matches of the Serie A season. For him, a defeat in the Liguria is unimaginable.
Personnel situation
After rotating the squad for the Coppa Italia match, Patrick Vieira - currently sidelined due to a ban on direction for his statements targeting referees in the defeat to Bologna - is likely to bring back key players such as broaderotes 8: 8:00-Cuffy and patrizio Masini.
In defense, Leo Ostigard is expected to return after a minor injury, while Jean Onana is definitely absent. Junior Messias's possibility of appearing is still uncertain due to a closed muscle problem.
Up front, Lorenzo Colombo has yet to score a goal this season, but he has scored against Lazio against Lecce, Monza and Empoli.
On the other side of the front line, Lazio lost both midfielders Matteo Guendouzi and Reda Belahyane due to suspension after the derby with Roma. This makes it even more difficult for Sarri, who has already lost Nicolo Rovella, Matias Vecino and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru due to injury.
Biancocelesti's defense is also broken with Manuel Lazzari ( thigh injury) and Samuel Gigot (fishing eye). However, the positive news is that Spanish centre-back Patric has returned to full training.
Expected lineup:
Genoa: Leali, Norton-Cuffy, Ostigard, Vasquez, Martin, Masini, Frendrup, Carboni, Malinovskyi, Ellertsson, Colombo.
Lazio: Provedel, Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares, Cataldi, Basic, Pedro Dia, Zaccagni, Castellanos.
The match between Genoa and Lazio takes place at 1:45 am on September 30 (Vietnam time).
