Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Genoa vs Napoli
Kickoff Time: 2024-12-22 01:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Genoa’s situation is somewhat awkward, currently leading the relegation zone by only two points over Cagliari. The club’s management insists on a strategy of developing a younger squad, while other Serie A teams have strengthened their rosters during the same period. This has made it difficult for Genoa to maintain the competitiveness they had last season. At this stage, unless these young players can realize their potential and demonstrate a higher level of performance in the upcoming league matches, Genoa faces significant relegation pressure this season, and it is quite possible they may ultimately be relegated. The biggest issue the team faces is the lack of a qualified commander in the midfield. Even if they successfully regain possession, it is challenging to launch a quick counterattack; players can only engage in short passes to seek opportunities. This not only wastes counterattacking chances but also risks being dispossessed by opponents. Additionally, the forward Andrea Pinamonti is not the type of player who can create scoring opportunities on his own, making it fair to say that Genoa is currently a team lacking in offensive power and highlights. From the stats, after 16 rounds of matches, Genoa has scored only 13 goals, the second fewest in Serie A; their passing accuracy is only 80%, ranking third from the bottom in the league.
Napoli has shown renewed competitiveness this season, currently trailing league leaders Atalanta by only two points. Since Napoli does not have European competition this season, the players are in good physical condition. Considering that Napoli is inherently a strong attacking team, as long as the key players can maintain stable form, there is hope for a title challenge. Tactically, Napoli excels in using a 4-3-3 formation, relying primarily on quick attacks and high pressing to create threats for their opponents. The midfield trio of Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa, and Stanislav Lobotka combines height, strength, and passing ability, allowing them to cover for each other and interchange positions to adapt to different tactical needs. This tactical style enables them to control the pace of the game and dominate play.
Genoa’s tactical style is relatively conservative, primarily focusing on defense and counterattacks. However, this strategy may face significant limitations against a strong opponent like Napoli, as Napoli often effectively controls the pace of the game, leaving Genoa with few counterattacking opportunities. In this match, it is believed that Napoli can secure an easy victory.
Genoa’s Last 5 Games: DDWDD
24-12-16 AC Milan 0-0 Genoa
24-12-07 Genoa 0-0 Torino
24-12-01 Udinese 0-2 Genoa
24-11-24 Genoa 2-2 Cagliari
24-11-08 Genoa 1-1 Como 1907
Napoli’s Last 5 Games: WLLWW
24-12-15 Udinese 1-3 Napoli
24-12-09 Napoli 0-1 Lazio
24-12-06 Lazio 3-1 Napoli
24-12-01 Torino 0-1 Napoli
24-11-25 Napoli 1-0 AS Roma
Head To Head Record:
24-02-17 Napoli 1-1 Genoa
23-09-17 Genoa 2-2 Napoli
22-05-15 Napoli 3-0 Genoa
21-08-30 Genoa 1-2 Napoli
21-02-07 Genoa 2-1 Napoli
Prediction: Napoli to win