The former AC Milan forward continues his goalless streak, raising concerns about Genoa`s league standing and prompting the coach to explore new strategies.
Things are not going well at all for Genoa. With their third league defeat, Genoa finds itself at the bottom of the standings alongside Lecce and Pisa. Their meager tally of just two goals in five matches (a league-worst) highlights a clear attacking crisis, particularly concerning Colombo, which now forces coach Vieira to swiftly find effective solutions and valid alternatives before the situation deteriorates further. Such a severe crisis has not been witnessed at Genoa since the brief but ill-fated Shevchenko era.
Next Sunday`s away match at the Maradona stadium against a formidable opponent inherently presents significant risks and challenges. While the French coach seems hesitant to abandon his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, he understands that it might be time to genuinely find an alternative to Colombo, who squandered a golden opportunity in the first half against Lazio, a moment that could have changed the game`s outcome. However, it`s important to note that a potential exclusion of the striker in Naples shouldn`t be seen as a definitive rejection. Attacking rotation could offer the former AC Milan player a chance to rest and recover, both physically and mentally, while simultaneously allowing the team to test new strategies to invigorate the Rossoblù`s offensive play, which has been severely lacking. Vieira, after all, knows he needs points now, and maximum efficiency is paramount.
A Familiar Pattern
This situation brings to mind a similar one from last year, when Pinamonti, often too isolated upfront (also in a 4-2-3-1 system), struggled to create space and find scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the former Genoa forward eventually managed to reach double digits in goals, making a crucial contribution to the team`s early salvation.
Now, instead of Colombo, Ekuban could be given a starting spot. He scored in the equalizer against Como in added time. Vitinha, who was Genoa`s best player against Sarri`s team, is expected to maintain his role as a left-sided attacker. In the attacking midfield, Ellertsson, who has shown the most consistent performance so far (despite a quiet game against Lazio), is likely to start on the right, while Malinovskyi could be reconfirmed in the center, especially given Stanciu`s physical issues.
