Genoa and Pisa are set to clash in a vital relegation battle in gameweek 18 at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. This match is significant for both teams, aiming to secure crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation.
Match Preview: Genoa vs. Pisa
As the teams prepare to enter the new year, Genoa comes into the match following a disappointing three-match losing streak. Their recent losses include games against top-tier teams such as Inter Milan, Atalanta, and AS Roma. This follows a promising start under coach Daniele De Rossi, who previously guided the team to a victory against Udinese.
Meanwhile, Pisa has struggled since early November, remaining winless in their last matches. They have only managed to secure one win in their last nine games, putting them in a precarious position at the bottom end of the league table.
Recent Form
Genoa’s performance at home has been less than stellar, with only six points from 27 available in previous encounters. Conversely, Pisa has not recorded a win in their last eight away matches, with only three losses to report. Most of their recent games ended in draws, indicating a mixed but cautious approach on the road.
Key Statistics
- Genoa’s home record: 1 win in their last 9 matches.
- Pisa’s away record: 0 wins in their last 8 matches.
- Pisa has scored 11 goals away, ranking second in the bottom half.
- Genoa has a slightly better away defense than Pisa, conceding 17 goals.
Team News
Genoa will miss the services of Jean Onana, who is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), along with several injured players like Albert Gronbaek and Junior Messias. They will be looking to centre-back Leo Ostigard, their leading scorer, to contribute in offensive plays.
Pisa welcomes back M’Bala Nzola from AFCON duties. With him and Stefano Moreo tied at three league goals, they are crucial for Pisa’s attack. However, the squad remains affected by other injuries, including Juan Cuadrado and Calvin Stengs.
Potential Lineups
| Genoa | Pisa |
|---|---|
| Leali | Semper |
| Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vazquez | Calabrese, Caracciolo, Canestrelli |
| Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi, Frendrup, Ellertsson, Martin | Toure, Piccinini, Aebischer, Vural, Angora |
| Vitinha, Colombo | Tramni, Nzola |
Predictions
Given Genoa’s pursuit of a much-needed victory and Pisa’s struggles, the match is poised to be fiercely contested. However, because of Pisa’s recent resilience in drawing high-scoring matches, a tightly contested game may end in another draw. Many predict the match could finish 2-2, reflecting both teams’ capabilities and current form.
