Better Than Inter

By: patcook | September 17th, 2009

Genoa were the only bright light in the Europa League for Italy as Rome’s teams both burned and, along with Milan, were one of only two Italian teams to win in Europe this week out of 7. Genoa President, Enrico Preziosi, was loving every minute of it and proclaimed his side better than reigning 4 time scudetto champions and perennial Champions League underachievers, Inter;

“Yesterday I was at San Siro and it looked to me as if they were missing the type of well-worked football that we have,” grinned the patron after the Nerazzurri’s 0-0 draw with Barcelona.

“We may not be individual world class phenomenons, but we are an excellent team.”

An excellent team they certainly are. The main goal for the club will obviously be to make the top 4 in Serie A, but I hope they put in a good effort in the Europa League. Genoa have a great chance in Serie A since Roma are no hope, Milan have a book full of issues and Fiorentina might struggle to deal with the loss of Felipe Melo.

Genoa missed out on fourth on head to head with Fiorentina last season and the Grifoni certainly appear to have improved much more than its top 4 rivals at this stage of the season. However, Genoa do appear to me to be Italy’s best shot at European glory this season, so hopefully they make a run at the Europa League too.

Also, on a personal note, I predicted a two goal win over Slavia. Last year MAD, of the Inter offside blog, gave me some shit about some predictions I made that didn’t pan out. So I’d like to take the opportunity to point out that once in a blue moon, when the planets align and George Bush completes a sentence with out a grammar mistake, I do get a prediction or two right.

Next Genoa travel to Chievo who have one win and two losses so far this season. Last weekend Genoa belted Napoli and Chievo were impressive against Bologna.

I think Genoa will win comfortably. They have a big squad and all the players seem to be able to slip in and out of the squad without effecting team harmony or results, so hangover from the win over Slavia shouldn’t be an issue and they are playing so well lately they must be brimming with confidence.

This fixture ended 1-0 last year and I probably shouldn’t make another prediction this season and retire with a 100% record, but I think Genoa could put quite a few past Chievo, I’ll say 3-1.