Genoa travel to Torino after their heroics in Rome in the Serie A. The Grifone got off to a winning start by defeating Lazio in their first away game since promotion. The hosts remain winless in the league following a humiliating loss in Milan.
Preview (Torino vs. Genoa)
Last Saturday, Torino lost their first game of the 2023–24 season despite Perr Schuurs’ score canceling out Milan’s first goal. Torino subsequently gave up twice more at San Siro before halftime and lost 4-1 without registering another shot on goal. The sole victory for Toro in their first three games came against Feralpisalo at home in the Coppa Italia. They failed to defeat promoted Cagliari on the first day of Serie A. Despite finishing in the top 10 they were still far from qualifying for Europe. Even last season’s top scorer Antonio Sanabria has had no luck so far this year.
One of Genoa’s last acts of defiance was a 1-0 victory over Torino in the spring of 2022, as they sped towards the Serie A trapdoor. They ended a record of nine league games without a victory over the Granata, which included seven losses. They now want to defeat Toro on Sunday night in order to increase their lead in the standings.
For the first time in their illustrious history, the Grifone would win their opening two road games of a Serie A season if they went on to defeat Torino. In fact, it has been nine years since they even managed to go undefeated in their first two away games, back when Gasperini was still in charge. Given that Genoa’s average of 31% possession in the first two matchdays was the lowest in the Italian top division, current coach Alberto Gilardino may be getting his team ready for a campaign with their backs against the wall in the months to come. They’ve also had the fewest touches (19) and most defensive clearances (67) in the opposing area.
Team News
Due to the absence of Antonio Sanabria due to a thigh injury, Torino may start Duvan Zapata in the starting lineup on Sunday instead of ex-Genoa forward Pietro Pellegri up front. Demba Seck is still unable to play due to a shoulder ailment. Kofi Djidji is dealing with a muscular problem. Due to muscular ailments, Junior Messias, Filippo Melegoni, and long-term absentee Marko Pajac will not be traveling with Genoa to Turin. Ruslan Malinovskyi will make his debut in support of Mateo Retegui, the team’s lone striker, after being sent back on loan from Marseille. The Ukrainian star’s worst record against an Italian team is that he has played seven league games against Torino without ever scoring or providing an assist.
Albert Gudmundsson, who joins them in the visitors’ attack, impressed in last week’s victory over Lazio. He completed more dribbles in the first two Serie A matchdays than any other player (nine out of 11 attempted). In addition, he has produced four scoring opportunities. The wait for Torino’s first league victory may come to an end on Sunday night when they face a Genoa team that is expected to give over the ball and annoy them. A single goal could very well decide a closely contested match. Toro should score it now that they have strengthened their front line.
Torino 1 – 0 Genoa
For more football previews, click here
