Genoa Hosts Cagliari in Crucial Serie A Clash with Managerial Debut

Genoa is set to face Cagliari at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris on November 24, 2024, an important fixture in the Italian Serie A calendar. This match marks the managerial debut of Vieira, who was appointed to steer Genoa away from the relegation zone after the sacking of former coach Gilardino during the international break. The home side, currently positioned in fourth-bottom, is just one point above Lecce and two ahead of both Monza and Venezia.

The management change came after Genoa managed only four points from their last two matches under Gilardino, including a 1-0 victory over Parma and a 1-1 draw against Como. Although these results helped them evade the relegation zone temporarily, the decision by 777 Partners underscores the club’s urgency for improved performances.

Genoa is aiming to leverage the managerial shift as a reset button, potentially advancing to as high as 13th with a win, despite struggles at their home ground, Luigi Ferraris, where they have collected just four points from seven matches.

On the other side, Cagliari finds itself in a worse plight, heading into this match without a win in four matches. Their last performance saw them salvage a respectable 3-3 draw against AC Milan, although defensive frailties persist, with the team conceding at least two goals in each of their last five Serie A outings.

Cagliari’s record in Genoa over the past decade is dismal, managing no wins in their last eight Serie A visits, their past triumph coming in April 2014. This historical context gives Genoa a potentially slight edge despite their recent home form.

Genoa faces several injury concerns with key players such as Ekuban and Hefti sidelined due to thigh and muscle problems, while Galdames is out with a broken ankle. Consequently, it is anticipated that players like Gudmundsson, who has been crucial on the scoreboard, will start, supported by Pinamonti.

Meanwhile, Cagliari will rely on Mancosu and Viola, both available after suspensions, to lead their counterattack as Cagliari strives to breach Genoa’s defense and improve upon their season tally.