Genoa vs Lecce Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Patrick Vieira’s Genoa have been difficult to beat and score against as they push into the middle-of-the-table ahead of now facing a struggling Lecce side this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Friday 14th March, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Select matches will be televised on CBS Sports so it is worth checking their schedule
How to watch online: UK – OneFootball / US – Paramount+
Genoa Preview: Frustrated Genoa
Genoa took the surprising and seemingly harsh decision to replace Alberto Gilardino with Patrick Vieira during the November international break and, despite some key personnel issues, Genoa have been much-improved as they try and push away from the danger zone.
The hosts have struggled for goals and, surprisingly for a Vieira side, have prioritised the defensive side of things. They most recently shared a 1-1 draw with Cagliari to mean they have lost just four of their 16 matches since the appointment of Vieira.
Lecce Preview: Struggling Lecce
Lecce appeared to be steering clear of the danger zone even before they decided to replace Luca Gotti with Marco Giampaolo and after the latter enjoyed a positive start, they appeared almost certainly safe but things have turned around for the Apulia-based outfit.
Lecce come into this one on the back of a third successive Serie A defeat as they suffered a 3-2 loss at home to AC Milan at Stadio Comunale Via del Mare last weekend. They have now managed just one victory in their last eight matches in Italy’s top-flight.
Genoa Team News: Importance of Cornet
Genoa have striking issues with Junior Messias now once again sidelined through injury alongside Vitinha, whilst Vieira and Mario Balotelli have a poor relationship. Winter signing Maxwel Cornet has been impressive and scored last week but is himself now a doubt.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leali; Norton-Cuffy, De Winter, Johan Vasquez, Caricol; Frendrup, Badelj; Malinovskiy, Miretti, Cornet; Ekuban
Unavailable: Bani (Injured), Thorsby (Injured), Junior Messias (Injured), Vitinha (Injured), Balotelli (Out of favour)
Questionable: Cornet (Injured)
Lecce Team News: Couple of injuries
Lecce have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues ahead of the visit to Genoa this weekend but they are still dealing with a couple of midfield injuries such as Joan Gonzalez as well as Filip Marchwinski.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Coulibaly, Berisha; Pierotto, Helgason, Tete Morente; Krstovic
Unavailable: Joan Gonzalez (Injured), Marchwinski (Injured)
Questionable:
Genoa vs Lecce Prediction
Genoa, as mentioned, have become difficult to beat as they try and ensure they remain firmly in mid-table obscurity between now and the end of the season. They have managed to score just 26 goals in 28 matches so far this season with only four teams scoring fewer than them so far this season. One of those four teams is indeed their upcoming opponents, Lecce, who are the lowest scorers in Serie A with just 20 goals in their 28 matches so far this season. Given those respective records, a low-scoring affair appears almost inevitable for this one.
Genoa vs Lecce Tip: Under 2.5 goals
