Genoa - Lazio
18.04 18:00
Genoa are playing extraordinary soccer and are on the right track to make a historical success of qualifying into the Champions League next season. It seems that Roma have already dropped from the race for the 4th spot so Genoa’s only rival is Fiorentina. They’re doing excellent at their Marassi stadium with the record of 10-4-1. Their team proved to have completely matured showing some of the qualities that decorate only the best teams. For example, Genoa’s players rarely give up and many times managed to come back from already lost situations and turn their match around. After great win over Juventus in the last round, their confidence is sky-high. Although they’re still claiming they can’t count on their best player Milito, they rarely even mention that and believe they have enough quality to ensure the CL spot. Gian Piero Gasperino is forcing an attacking style of play, so Genoa’s team is one of the most-viewed Serie A teams this season. Gasperini will be using his favorite 3-4-3 formation against Lazio as well, and Ruben Olivera will again take Milito’s place in attack. There are no other suspension and injury concerns so we can expect the following lineup for the hosts: Rubinho; Biava, Ferrari, Bocchetti; M.Rossi, T.Motta, Juric, Criscito; Sculli, Olivera, Palladino.
The Cup is their only chance
Lazio haven’t satisfied their numerous fans in this season. They’re having lots of ups and downs and that inconsistency will probably cost them not playing in Europe next season. After a four-game winning streak, they lost three matches and it seemed that coach Delio Rossi’s job was in danger. However, they beat their biggest city rival Roma by convincing 4:2. That win gave them a new line of hope and they see their last chance of playing in Europe through playing the Italian Cup. They’re already facing Juventus in the return leg next Wednesday. The Old Lady have secured the CL, so everyone in Lazio are hoping they’ll be able to keep the advantage from the first leg (2:1). A match against Genoa will serve them as good preparation and if they record a good result, their confidence will be additionally boosted. The question is what kind of team will Rossi be fielding, but two sure absences are Kolarov and Siviglia, as well as suspended Metuzalem and Brocchi. Their team could be looking like this: Muslera, De Silvestri, Diakite, Rozehnal, Radu; Lichtsteiner, Ledesma, Dabo, Foggia; Pandev, Zarate.
Griffons with the advantage
Genoa’s form, especially at home, makes them clear favs in this clash. Lazio are definitely not to be underestimated, cause there are a few extraordinary individuals in this squad, who can resolve the match on their own anytime. Another fact that should be taken into account is that a lot of Lazio’s players still haven’t signed contracts for the next season, so they will be giving their best to prove to club’s president Lotito and show they deserve to keep their club status. However, they will be thinking about their return leg with Juventus in the Cup, and with an incomplete squad coming to Genoa they won’t be able to match the hosts completely. I believe in Genoa, and think this match will be one of their biggest steps in their history and their first CL appearance.
Tip: Genoa, Odds 1.85
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