Why Genoa Are a Club on the Rise in Serie A

Genoa were the dominant force in the early days of Italian football, winning six of the first seven league championships. They will not add another title this year, but the Grifone have made an excellent start. With bigger clubs such as Milan, Inter and Fiorentina all faltering, Genoa are right in the hunt for Europe.

Four wins in the last six have lifted Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to sixth. They have beaten leaders Juventus and lost just twice all campaign.

Their form is down to doing the simple things well and playing like a team with a coherent approach. Cynics may argue that these are the minimum requirements of any side. However, many other Serie A outfits are showing that it is easier said than done.

Gasperini’s thoughtful, well-targeted signings have contributed hugely to Genoa’s recent success. Just €5.6 million was spent in the summer to bring in 15 new faces. Alessandro Matri, captured on loan from Milan, has scored five goals and assisted three. His finishing and penalty-box presence have been major plus points.

Fellow striker Mauricio Pinilla has also been excellent. According to WhoScored.com, the Chilean wins 5.4 aerial duels on average per game, more than any other player in Serie A. His prowess in the air is perfect for a team who play with width and focus on crossing: Pinilla’s goal against Lazio is typical of Genoa’s attacks. Pinilla cost €2 million but already looks like a bargain.

Winger Diego Perotti was another smart addition. The 26-year-old possesses brilliant pace and trickery. At just €400,000, the Argentine was a steal. He has fitted seamlessly into the team.

The squad has a great blend of youth and experience. Stefano Sturaro, aged 21 and on loan from Juventus, has impressed. Andrea Bertolacci, who turned 23 this week, has just won his first Italy call-up. Mattia Perin, meanwhile, has been in sensational form in goal. Even at the tender age of 22, he seems to be the complete package.

These youngsters are supplemented by a strong group of older players. As well as Matri and Pinilla, Luca Antonini, Nicolas Burdisso and Giovanni Marchese are in their 30s. Their experience is vital in terms of guidance and leadership. The mix between young and old has created a terrific balance.

The other primary reason for Genoa’s promising start is their clearly defined style.

The entire squad knows how to execute Gasperini’s tactical plan. The former Inter coach has a clear philosophy and way of playing. His 3-4-3 is unique in Italy’s top-flight, and has created numerous problems for opponents.

Genoa are dangerous when attacking down the flanks, particularly on the counter-attack. They focus on overloading wide areas and getting crosses into the box.

The Grifone tend to create good chances. Their average of 10.5 shots per game is the third lowest in Serie A but, as 4.5 of those are on target, they have the division’s best ratio of on-target efforts to total attempts. 

Every player knows exactly what is required of him. This has allowed Gasperini to rotate his squad while maintaining positive results. Genoa have not fielded the same line-up in consecutive games at any point this season. This is even the case in defence, where conventional wisdom suggests continuity is vital. Burdisso, Marchese, Sebastian De Maio and Facundo Roncaglia have rotated in the three slots ahead of ever-present Perin in goal.

Genoa’s ability to do the basics well has helped them attain a lofty position. Shrewd signings at a low cost have given the team a great balance. Gasperini’s charges are also able to carry out his tactical strategy well, no matter who is selected in the starting line-up.

Many bigger clubs have failed in both of these regards. Some did not have good transfer windows and others lack a distinct, precise style. If Genoa continue to do the simple things well, a return to Europe could be on the cards.