After scoring in the friendly against Nice, Malinovskyi could start in Como. The coach is seeking tactical compromises to improve goal-scoring.
Genoa, under coach Vieira, is implementing a subtle tactical shift to invigorate their attack ahead of the match against Como. With twelve players absent due to international duties, the team recently played a friendly against Nice, losing 3-2, with goals from Onana and Malinovskyi for the Rossoblu. The French coach advanced the positions of wingers Messias and Vitinha to the attacking midfield, supporting Ekuban, who played in place of the injured Colombo. This adjustment, essentially a 4-2-1-3 disguised as a 4-2-3-1, aims to provide more support for Colombo, who has appeared too isolated in the opening matches, without fundamentally altering Vieira`s playing style.
Key Players and Tactical Adjustments
The decision to entrust Malinovskyi with the key attacking midfield role in the recent friendly is a significant indicator, suggesting he could start against Como. He might be flanked by Ellertsson on the right and Stanciu or Venturino on the left, with the latter (currently with the Under 21 squad) potentially offering the offensive drive Genoa has lacked. However, the final lineup will only be decided after the return of the international players by mid-next week. Vieira acknowledges the quality of the club`s market signings but is also aware that such a renewed and youthful squad needs time to find its ideal dimension. This initial tactical change demonstrates the coach`s search for solutions to enhance Genoa`s offensive threat. While questions remain in attack, the defense has shown solidity in matches against Lecce and Juventus. The only defensive uncertainty concerns the right-back position, but Norton-Cuffy has proven reliable there, and other options are available.
Club Celebrations and Future Investments
Tonight, a delegation from Genoa`s men`s and women`s first teams will participate in celebrations with fans in Piazza De Ferrari, marking the club`s 132nd anniversary. This event underscores the increasingly strong bond between the team and the city, further highlighted by a third consecutive year of record season ticket sales. Next Thursday, President Sucu (who also heads the Romanian Confindustria) will hold his first meeting with the local business community. The aim is to attract new investors to support the club`s growth under the new ownership. The strategy is twofold: to reduce the number of owned players while drastically cutting salary expenses, moving towards self-financing by increasing external capital and engaging new partners.
