a very expected draw to Bologna

As per the match preview, as expected Bologna’s new manager Siniša Mihajlović lead his side in a brilliant tactical plan as they fought to a 1-1 draw, ending Genoa’s dominance at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. In truth this was likely the first match of the campaign that tactically Genoa underestimated their opposition and tactically erred. Certainly the heavy rainfall had an impact upon the match and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side failed to recognize the need to adjust style of play if not tactics. This was not the day to be expecting long flourishing runs and many of Genoa’s efforts failed to get even near the finishing stage because of this.

The visiting Bologna side showed a great deal of patience before the break, allowed significant space to Genoa knowing full well that most of their passing would need to be either very short or get slowed considerably in sloppy pitch. It was the appropriate defensive approach and allowed them to either prey upon unforced errors or counter-attack on over commitment. The match went to the break scoreless but the handwriting was on the wall and Gian Piero Gasperini brought in Andrea Gasbarroni for Raffaele Palladino for the restart. Ten minutes after the break Andrea's cross to Giuseppe Sculli in the area was headed crisply to the back of the goal. With the goal advantage on a dreadfully problematic pitch, I expected a formation changed and the introduction of ex-Crvena zvezda man Boško Janković with a greater emphasis of tying up the midfield but it wasn't to come and Genoa paid for the tactical miscue. Eight minutes later a clearly more aggressive Bologna side found the leveling goal as ex Genoa men reacquainted themselves with their former club as Adaílton's cross to Marco Di Vaio was redirected into the net. Both clubs came close as the match wound down but without success and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Genoa's returns to Seria A action next week in an exciting derby against Sampdoria.

Genoa v Bologna match preview

As Genoa continue to tempt the upper reaches of Serie A, there will be obvious challenges from the elite clubs but equally those matches considered as ones where they can't afford to drop points. With Bologna visiting Stadio Luigi Ferraris, this is not only one of "those" matches where points can't be dropped but additionally one that could provide a series of problems.

Amongst the backdrop of historic Bologna, the club has been languishing at the bottom of the Serie A table after being promoted last year. Yet with little fanfare, earlier this month the management of the club made one of best tactical moves of the year bringing in Siniša Mihajlović from Inter. With a career that started with legendary clubs FK Vojvodina and Crvena zvezda Mr. Mihajlović is a managerial up and comer in the sport and the perfect man to drive Bologna out of the relegation zone. Incredibly over the last three matches the club seems to have already channeled his gritty demeanor and squeezed out 1-1 draws to Roma, Siena and Palermo.

With this in-mind, Genoa needs to scrap all scouting reports pre his arrival and realize Stadio Luigi Ferraris is the setting for a battle. For those who appreciate the finer aspects of the beautiful game, such as hard-tackling and every blade of grass fought-for, this will be your match to watch on Sunday. While I am more than aware Gian Piero Gasperini's side have yet to drop points at home, this match must be treated with special care if they are to keep that streak alive.

On the injury front Genoa will be without the services of Giandomenico Mesto, Francesco Modesto, Matteo Paro and Marcel Román for the match whilst Siniša Mihajlović's forces are missing Massimo Marazzina, Gabriele Paonessa and Sergio Volpi.

Bologna will go forward in a 4-4-1-1 formation with the following possible lineup:

Francesco Antonioli
Cristian Zenoni,Claudio Terzi, Vangelis Moras,Salvatore Lanna
Coelho, Nicola Mingazzini, Gaby Mudingayi, Francesco Valiani
Davide Marchini
Marco Di Vaio

Recommended formation for Genoa would
Genoa
Rubinho
Sokratis Papastathopoulos,Matteo Ferrari,Giuseppe Biava/Salvatore Bocchetti
Marco Rossi,Omar Milanetto,Ivan Jurić,Anthony Vanden Borre/Boško Janković
Giuseppe Sculli,Diego Milito, Raffaele Palladino/Andrea Gasbarroni/Boško Janković

The final decision on the lineup must equally be based upon weather conditions as heavy rain could slow play considerably.

I will report on the match as it concludes