Genoa CFC
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Amid early season reports, Genoa President Enrico Preziosi has squashed rumours linking him to a potential departure from the club. “I never seriously thought about abandoning Genoa also because the fans always showed their attachment to the shirt and to the club.”
The 63 year-old Italian Entrepreneur, was quick to silence whispers, around the peninsula, whilst speaking to Radio Sportiva. Having previously earnt shares in Saronno and Como, two Italian clubs, Preziosi turned his attention to Genoa. In July 2003, Preziosi acquired the purchase of the club; with their recent demotion into Serie C1, currently known as ‘Lega Pro Prima Divisone’, cancelled out due to an increase of 24 teams in Serie B, Preziosi had ambitions to reconstruct the club and rekindle it’s proud history. Success arrived briskly. Genoa were crowned Serie B Champions in the space of 24 months. However, allegations surfaced that the club had been involved in a match fixing scandal which took place on the final day of the season – a match Genoa triumphed over Venezia 3-2. The Disciplinary Committee of FIGC came to a conclusion on 27th July 2005, to place Genoa bottom of the league, hence relegating them down to Serie C1, and strapping the club with a six point penalty for the following season – a decision which catapulted the 9 times Serie A winners into turmoil further extending the road to Serie A. It was during these bleak years Preziosi remained close to
Genoa, sticking loyal to his truce to reinstate Il Grifone back into Italy’s elite competition.
Genoa finished the season runners up thus making them eligible for the play-offs which they managed to overcome Monza 2-1 to secure promotion into Serie B. Arguably the most significant, astute piece of business undertaken during Preziosi’s tenure was the hiring of Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini lead Genoa to back to the top flight within one season of his Genoa managerial reign acquiring a 0-0 draw with Napoli – this built good relations between the clubs as they happily gained promotion back into Serie A.
Preziosi has proven to be a sagacious business man especially whilst singling out and luring talent. With the right people beside him he has brought in the likes of: Diego Milito, Marco Borriello, Thiago Motta, Hernan Crespo – to name a few. All of which are quality players having represented big European clubs and won many decorative honours.
“A mixture of circumstances and investments have allowed us to find ourselves again from Palacio to Kucka and Paloschi to Floro Flores”; recent comments made in relation to Genoa’s mini revival. With Genoa continually on the rise and Preziosi at the helm, the future looks bright for the Rossoblu. We are finally bearing the fruit of Enrico Preziosi’s hard work, and as we constantly cheer in unison, our dream to play in the UEFA Champions League is edging near with each subsequent day.
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A match which would represent the perfect prototype for the cliché – a tale of two halves, was played out last night at the Marassi where Genoa rallied at 3-0 down to win 4-3, and record one of the most incredible second half fight backs in Serie A history!
Genoa’s undefeated run against Roma, which has now stretched back three and a quarter years – November 2007, looked in jeopardy when the sides entered the dressing sheds. Early goals from Roma’s defensive core Mexes and Burdisso, in the 6th and 16th minute respectively, paved the way for what appeared to be their first victory in four matches.
After the break, a counterattack saw the visitors 3-0 up with cool finish by Roman captain, Francesco Totti, leaving Il Grifone with a mountain to climb. However, Genoa did get on the scoresheet moments later. A goalkeeping blunder by Julio Sergio gifted Rodrigo Palacio with an opportunity from seven yards which he slammed home. Genoa were pilling forward and nearly had a second. Floro Flores connected with a powerful half-volley which sizzled inches wide into the side netting, then the new January signing latched onto a Rafinha cross, and saw his effort glide just wide of the far post.
The home crowd could sense a goal on the horizon, and when Davide Ballardini opted to throw on Alberto Paloschi, the Milan-owned striker narrowed the deficit to a single goal with a composed finish seven yards.
Abysmal defending by the Roma rear-guard continued as Genoa levelled the tie on 75 minutes. A Rafinha cross, from the right, was unchallenged, and left to bounce directly for the inspirational Argentinian to notch up his second of the match. Palacio’s looping header was far too accurate for the full stretched Julio Sergio to deal with, and sent the Genoa faithful into raptures.
As Genoa pressed for an unexpected victory, it was Roma who almost regained the lead. A trade mark counterattack initiated by Taddei and Menez, resulted with Totti firing directly at Domenico Criscito from the penalty spot having Eduardo stranded. The Giallorossi were made to pay as a result, and the visitors completed a remarkable comeback 5 minutes from time. Three Roma defenders where caught ball watching as a delightful Crisctio pass released Palacio who crossed for the unmarked Palsoschi to volley into an empty net. It was the Azzurrini striker’s second goal both in the match and for Genoa, and certainly a moment he won’t forget.
Personally, I don’t know what to make of Genoa’s performance. Certainly it displayed character in an abundance having to fight back from a three nil score line, and to know you’re capable of this feat against a quality team is beneficial. However, it shouldn’t be a position you find yourself in initially. Lacklustre marking from set pieces was evident and should be accessed during training. There were instances when the opposition were left wide open six yards out from goal!
There were many negatives, from this match, but let’s concentrate on the positives. I was really glad for Alberto Paloschi. I have a high opinion of him and watched him from his debut right up until this point. It was good timing too considering I wrote an article on him a matter of days ago!
To win crucial fixtures against Sampdoria and Roma in less than a week has a huge bearing if Genoa is to play in Europe next season. Take into account our only slip up was probably against Bari in recent weeks as the week prior we managed to salvage a draw with league leaders Milan.
The team is living through a positive moment, with players returning from injuries, we could go a long way in finishing well; definitely if there are more attacking performances as we witnessed against Roma.
What are your views of this recent match or future fixtures?
Do you believe Genoa are capable of making it into Europe Cup Competition next season?
Below are the stats from the game:
Just in case you missed the goals:
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Not many nineteen year olds can boast about scoring on their Serie A debut, well never mind scoring, debuting in Italy at such a tender age is increasingly rare, which speaks volumes about promising Genoa pair Mattia Destro and Alberto Paloschi.
Teammates for the Azzurrini and products of Internazionale and Milan, respectively, both currently are plying their trade at Genoa in the hope of establishing a formidable strike partnership and further raising their footballing profile.
Destro, widely reknown for his outstanding pace and positional sense, joined Internazionale’s youth system in 2005. In 2005-06, his first season for the Nezzazzurri, Destro finished as the team’s top-scorer for the Giovanissimi Nazionali. The following season he finished runner-up, in the team’s scoring charts, to Italian wonderkid Mario Balotelli in which the two developed a fruitful understanding. His impressive performances earned him a promotion to the Primavera during 2008; a decorative year which saw Destro win the league title, with the Allievi Nazionali, and the prestigious Torneo di Viareggio. Destro’s goal-scoring exploits continued for the Primavera as he was the second top-scorer in 2008-09. Despite acquiring caps for the Azzurrini in every level, from U16 to U21 (except U20 team), Destro failed to make an appearance for Internazionale’s first team, and in June 2010, was used as a bargaining chip to lure Ranocchia away from Il Grifone to the blue half of Milan. On September 12th 2010, Destro was gifted with a starting birth by Gasperini due to an injury sustained by Luca Toni; within six minutes of his debut Destro calmly slotted home to give his new team a 1-0 advantage. Unfortunately, Genoa succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Chievo, but nonetheless, a new star was born.
“If I have to be replaced then I would say Paloschi is the best”; these are the words of legendary goal-scorer Filippo Inzaghi leading up to the winter transfer market, a couple of months ago. A dedicated and laborious striker, Paloschi has worked his way up through the Milan youth ranks the hard way. Not always the standout player, he has made a name for himself through sheer commitment and sacrifice. Shooting to prominence when he bagged a hat-trick in the final of the Allievi Nazionali in 2006-07, Paloschi quickly advanced into the first team for the Round 16 Coppa Italia tie against Catania. Scoring on his professional debut with the club, he was later shown trust by manager Carlo Ancelotti to field him in the return leg which he also managed to get on the scoresheet. Three weeks later Paloschi’s dream became a reality. On February 20th 2008, AC Milan was playing Siena in a game which looked odds on to end in a scoreless stalemate; Paloschi was given the signal to step onto the pitch. Who was to know that the next eighteen seconds would change his life forever?
Debuting in front of a sea of red and black, with his boyhood idol Filippo Inzaghi, Paloschi latched onto a lofted pass from Seedorf, and fired home an excellent low angled drive into the bottom left corner. “When I scored I blacked out, I only saw the arms of the fans going up behind the goal and I didn’t know what to do anymore.”; an emotional Paloschi in a post-match interview. Paloschi scored his second Serie A goal in a 2-1 loss against Sampdoria the following month. Upon Ronaldinho’s arrival, Paloschi opted to move to Parma in order to gain consistent playing time. His move was made official on August 27th 2008. In his first season at Parma, Paloschi notched up 12 league goals to help guide his new club back into top flight football. In June 2009, AC Milan and Parma extended the co-ownership bid for another season meaning Paloschi would have increased playing time in Serie A. However, his second season at Parma was plagued by injuries which carried onto the beginning of his third season at the Tardini. On January 3rd 2011, Mattia Destro was joined by fellow Azzurrini hombre Alberto Paloschi; in a move which saw Parma’s half share in Paloschi transferred to Genoa.
With Destro currently sidelined, Paloschi has slowly been integrated into the side making appearances in the back end of matches to gradually increase his match fitness and confidence. Hopefully, in time, the duo will be able to start alongside one another and blossom at Genoa. Seasoned veterans in Omar Milanetto and Marco Rossi will ensure the two youngsters remain grounded, level headed and provide them the tranquillity in order to prosper. Astute pieces of business by Genoa as they strive to build a talented team for the future.
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Dear Readers,
My name’s Anthony and I’ll be your new Genoa football analyst for the remainder of the current campaign. I aim to continue the good work of my predecessors by bringing you match previews, post-match reviews, transfer news, player profiles, or basically anything you would like me to discuss. If you have any queries, feel free to contact me: genoa@theoffside.com. Anyways, enough about me, let’s begin with the match review.
An extremely wasteful Genoa were fortunate to come away with the spoils as controversy marked the only bit of excitement in a match which makes watching paint dry seem like a splendiferous experience.
Fresh off Calcio’s Managerial Merry-go-round, Bortolo Mutti took charge of the Galletti, a matter of days after Giampiero Ventura resigned, amid fan protests, and was faced with the task of ending Bari’s record run of six consecutive league defeats.
The first half began with both sides adopting a conservative approach with their similar tactical plans cancelling each other out. Genoa were unlucky not to be 1-0 up, in the 9th minute, when Juraj Kucka won possession and played a nice outside-of-the-foot pass to Rodrigo Palacio, who’s angled drive cannoned off Jean-Francios Gillet’s right post. A matter of seconds later, Kucka was again involved glancing his header to the far post which was comfortably saved.
Bari hit back with some good build up play; Milanetto was slow to react leaving space for the rushing Ghezzal to fire a shot wide.
Marco Rossi’s pile driver skimmed the woodwork whilst Palacio sprung the offside trap, and did brilliantly in shrugging off opposing challenges from Marco Rossi and Kamil Glik to tee-up Milanetto’s wayward effort.
On the stroke of half time, Genoa’s best chance of the match surfaced as Giandomenico Mesto’s sublime through ball released Palacio who failed to convert a one-on-one, with the rushing Gillet, ballooning over his effort.
Genoa made their intentions known early in the second half pushing hard for the opening goal. Milanetto stepped up his performance; whipping in some delightful set pieces for the ever-present Kucka who caused the Bari defence numerous troubles with his physical presence.
On the hour mark, the rhythm of the match picked up with both teams desperate to find a breakthrough. Mutti’s decision to introduce Alvarez sparked the Galletti back into life; with an immediate impact, Alvarez scooted past Criscito, and played in an inviting cross which Okaka could only fire straight at Eduardo. Alvarez’s pace was reeking all sort of havoc down Genoa’s left side defence, with Criscito once again left for dead, as he picked out the impressive Okaka who forced Eduardo into a good stop.
There was a dubious incident on 78 minutes. A lofted freekick, into the box, was nodded, by Castillo, across goal for the unmarked Okaka to slot home. The goal was disallowed for an alleged foul on Kaladze whilst contesting the high ball with Castillo. Replays are rather inconclusive and it’s safe to say Genoa managed to get away with one.
Overall, it was a disappointing display from a Genoa side who weren’t clinical in front of goal. Lack of creativity from both teams in the final third paved the way for a hard fought draw. The only promising factor from this match was the impressive performance of Kucka. Kucka displayed his ability to recover an array of lost balls and illustrated his attacking prowess; assisting Palacio with a nice angled pass, and his commanding ability off set pieces.
What are some of your reactions from the match?
Are you content with Ballardini’s pragmatic 4-4-2 tactics opposed to ex Rossoblu coach Gasperini’s adventurous 3-4-3?
Below are the stats from the game:
Just in case you missed the goals:
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This post will brief because of my exams. Thank god, It is nearly done.We defeated Lecce, three goals to one. Here are the highlights
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The Two Men of the Matches are Kharja and Luca. Kharja wonderful second half performance against Juve, hope he continues too play like that. Toni for his wonderful double salvo in the Copa Italia.
The Juve game breakdown is like this, Juve played the perfect calcio match. Excellent attacking display in the minuets leading up to their two goals and then after that smart counter attacking football. We were a little unlucky with the first and with the second it was bad defending and excellent Krasic play. The Second Half ………..We started brightly, Kharja was a real livewire, he had a shot hit the bar, His movement was exciting but you are not drawing or beating this Juve team with a two goal defecit unless you conjure up something special sadly we had nothing. I will commend Davide for his ballsy change at half time, Andrea for Kharja, good move.
Against the V side in the copa, still cannot spell their name right. We won three goals to one, with two of them coming in extra time.It was disappointing to beat the V side who shall not be written with the help of extra time but it was great to see Destro and Supa Luca scoring.
Looking ahead, Next game is Brescia away. We should get back to winning ways against them. Here is my preferred lineup
…..Ed…….
Kala….A. Ran…..Cris….Rafa 4 3 1 2
Omar……Rossi….Veloso
…Kharja…
Toni…………… Destro
FORZA GRIFONE
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This will be Davide first real test of the season as manager when we play Juve on Sunday. How will he handle a Juve team in good form. Juventus is in my opinion is one of the top three teams in Serie A, with the players that they have but I still have faith in us to nick it, since we are at home.
Here is my preferred line up same as last week but the only change, I would like a more attacking mentality though
……..Ed…….
Kala….A. Ran…..Cris….Rafa 4 3 1 2
Omar……Rossi….Veloso
…Mesto…
Toni…………… Rudy
Prediction
I will be bold and say this, we will win by at least two clear goals
Forza Genoa
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Il Grifone, takes three important points away to Cagliari, thanks to an Andrea Ranocchia , headed goal in the eighty thrid minute.This continues Davide Ballardini winning start to the season. Genoa are now seventh place, before the clash with Juventus coming next week. Here are some brief match highlights, match stats, and the team line ups. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhXfCzVjmho ,This is the highlights.
| TEAMS | |
| Cagliari | Genoa |
| 1 Michael Agazzi | 1 Eduardo |
| 13 Davide Astori | 13 Kakha Kaladze |
| 3 Lorenzo Ariaudo | 16 Andrea Ranocchia |
| 5 Daniele Conti | 4 Domenico Criscito |
| 31 Alessandro Agostini | 18 Rafinha |
| 24 Gabriele Perico | 77 Omar Milanetto |
| 7 Andrea Cossu | 42 Miguel Veloso |
| 23 Alex Pinardi | 7 Marco Rossi |
| 4 Radja Nainggolan | 17 Gergely Rudolf |
| 9 Robert Acquafresca | 9 Luca Toni |
| 32 Alessandro Matri | 20 Giandomenico Mesto |
| MATCH STATS | ||
| Cagliari | Genoa | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 15(5) | 12(4) |
| Fouls | 13 | 17 |
| Corner Kicks | 7 | 5 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 3 | 5 |
Match Summary……………… A pretty uneventful game by our usually high attacking standard , Matri had a shot saved from Eduardo, with Pinardi shooting the rebound wide. We were mostly bereft of ideas in the first half.Second half continued the trend sadly with Cagliari having the better of the chances,we rode our luck a bit, we looked happy with a draw and Toni and Rudolph was really deprived of good service, Do not bring Guns to a Gun Show without bullets. I was now about to take some deserved rest but suddenly wham and kapow, we went ahead . Let me break down the game through my inner thoughts. 46th minute to 80th minute. I wonder who will win the Milan derby today, I feel Milan will win. Mad from the inter offside is always right, I feel that guy is a psychic or something, wait I wonder if I can get some psychic powers too, good save Eduardo, Never understood why we bought Kaladze, El Classico is on a Monday now, that will be goooooooood.Only our derby will be better than that. HaHaHa not a chance at least with El Classico you do not know the winner, but we will murder Sampy.Corner kick now…….sigh……….wish someone can score a goal for us now that will be good, ANDREAAAAAAAAAAA gol a goal a goal a goal a goal ala Scarpini style.There you have it folks good game my prediction came through, maybe I do have psychic powers.
The lion this week is Eduardo with some excellent saves that kept us in the game
The eagle goes to Andrea for his wonderful positioning for the corner kick
The treasure is the mistake Kaladze did, it could have ended up as one of gaffes of the season
Important win, 7th place and Next week Juve
GRANDE GENOA
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Rossoblu Clash take two ………Cagliari VS Genoa
We are coming off an excellent result, I hope for more of the same against Cagliari. For a more indepth preview check out Cagliari Offiside blogger, Jeremy. His preview is very through, http://cagliari.theoffside.com/team-news/cagliari-genoa-tick-tock-tick-tock.html. Keep up the good work Jeremy.
Prediction………………. Close one goal victory to us.
GRANDE GENOA
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