French coach Vieira aims to revitalize Colombo against an opponent facing an emergency, while Lazio`s manager switches to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Changes are coming to turn the tide. Both Genoa and Lazio have had disappointing starts to their league campaigns, far from what fans and clubs anticipated. Lazio has recorded just one win and three losses, while the Rossoblù have two draws and two defeats. Tonight at Marassi, in the fixture closing out Week 5, two teams with a shared goal will clash: to secure a crucial victory that lifts them out of the lingering crisis inherited from their first four league matches. But how to turn the page? Both Maurizio Sarri and Patrick Vieira have opted for changes: the Genoa coach will alter some personnel, while the Lazio coach will change the formation.
Sarri`s New Approach
Sarri`s tactical shift is remarkable, albeit prompted by an emergency. For over a decade, his 4-3-3 formation has been his trademark, almost an unchangeable identifier. Yet, `the Commander` has decided to abandon it. Primarily, this is to address numerous absences, particularly in midfield, where Guendouzi and Belahyane are suspended, and Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, and Vecino are injured. However, this tactical change could extend beyond the emergency, potentially becoming permanent, especially if the 4-2-3-1 formation Sarri deploys tonight against Genoa yields encouraging results. This new system could enhance the team`s offensive threat without compromising defensive solidity. To boost their attacking presence, Sarri intends to leverage this tactical change offensively. Behind Castellanos, Dia is expected to start instead of Pedro (though the Spaniard will likely be introduced during the match), with Cancellieri and Zaccagni on the wings. The rumored new midfield partnership is confirmed: Cataldi will be joined by the recalled Basic (Vecino, initially expected on the bench, was not called up as he hasn`t fully recovered from a muscle issue that has plagued him for nearly two months). In defense, the new development (though not entirely surprising) is Pellegrini starting over Tavares at left-back.
All for Colombo
Vieira dismisses concerns and a certain impatience from those who point out that despite the team`s improving play, results haven`t followed suit. The coach confirms Colombo upfront (`he fights for the team and is fundamental to our game`), but he`s trying to build an attacking midfield around him capable of assisting in goal-scoring situations. Ellertsson is deemed untouchable, while Vitinha, Malinovskyi, and Carboni are competing for two spots, though all three are expected to feature tonight at Marassi. In essence, Genoa will deploy an imaginative attacking midfield, a characteristic best embodied by Valentin Carboni, who is increasingly making his mark at Genoa day by day. Inter Milan`s blessing, which accompanied his arrival at the Rossoblù in mid-July, highlighted the Nerazzurri`s rationale: `A coach like Vieira and a club like Genoa will help him grow.` This also aids his recovery after the injury sustained in Marseille. So far, he has started two matches: one as a right winger, and the second (against Juventus) centrally. Later, against Como and Bologna, he rotated with Malinovskyi, an approach that might be repeated tonight, even though the Argentine has already earned a reputation as a game-changer. Vieira rewards merit, a principle he has demonstrated since his first day in the city. His arrival in Genoa is a beneficial arrangement for both parties: for the player, who has found an environment providing the necessary playing time to regain top form, and for the club, which can monetize a series of bonuses up to one million euros at the end of the season, contingent on appearances, goals, and other objectives. Vieira`s message is clear: `I am confident; we are coming off positive performances, and we will seek the three points through our organization and determination.`
