Football Season Guide

In the recent past, Genoa have been constantly fighting for survival despite the ambitions and the loads of money invested by President Preziosi during the transfer campaigns. Moreover, an incredible amount of coaches have been hired and sacked at the speed of light. Gasperini, who had been the architect of the club’s return to the Serie A in 2007 and of their last qualification to the European competitions two years later, made it back at the helm of the team midway through the past campaign and, having reached a rather quiet safety, was eventually confirmed also for the new season. Therefore, he will be asked to deal with the umpteenth revolution in the squad. Key stars such as Gilardino, who is now in China, and Matuzalem left, together with experienced Sculli and Gamberini and players on loan such as De Ceglie, Motta, Konate and Centurion. Consequently, the squad has been sensibly strengthened especially in the midfield and in the attack, which will be utterly renewed. In Gasperini’s usual 3-4-3 formation, Perin will be confirmed in goals with Burdisso, De Maio and Marchese acting in the back three. Rosi, from Sassuolo, and Rincon, from Hamburg, or Greco, from Livorno, should join Sturaro and Antonelli in the midfield. The attack, orphan of Gilardino’s goals, will change its face completely with the newcomers Perotti, Matri and Pinilla all candidate for a place in the starting eleven. However, also the newly-arrived Edenilson, Iago and Alhassan could end up gaining some playing time in the course of the season.