Genoa revamps lineup

After finishing fifth in Serie A Genoa has went through a radical re-working of its lineup. Staring down a spot in the Europa League playoff round Club president Enrico Preziosi has worked hard to compensate for the losses of Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to Inter Milan as well the anticipated departure of Matteo Ferrari to Turkish side Besiktas. While few will suggest that the Rossoblù can replace the loss of Il Principe and many will question the behind the scenes rationale for the move, Mr. Preziosi has insisted there are many more “perle sul piatto”.

To continue reading, please visit Europa League News.

Ricardo Quaresma edges closer to Genoa

Confident that Ricardo Quaresma is set to make the move to the Rossoblù, club president Enrico Preziosi declared on Italian media outlet "Radio Radio" that negotiations for the Portuguese international will be finalized next week:

“I am certain we will conclude negotiations for Quaresma next week."

Of the talented Robert Acquafresca, it appears he is unlikely headed to Genova as Mr. Preziosi said, "I think he will go elsewhere with a team able to guarantee him first team football."

Addressing concerns of Domenico Criscito and Raffaele Palladino, the president assured Genoa supporters that terms will be met with Juventus to seem them return:

“Our intention is to keep (Raffaelle) Palladino and (Domenico) Criscito. We will soon meet with Juventus and I am sure we will reach an agreement.

Hernán Crespo on a mission

Without a doubt Hernán Crespo has sent a message in joining the Rossoblù as he wants to not only prove he still prove he can be a force in Serie A once again but worthy of selection to the Albicelestes. In speaking to Buenos Aires based newspaper Clarìn, the former River Plate sharpshooter reiterated that the noble pride of playing for his homeland and that, "the move to Genoa gives (me) the opportunity to play with confidence and the chance of playing in my fourth World Cup."

Diego Milito's final day with Genoa

On the surface, Genoa's 4-1 victory over Lecce was a typical year-end affair with little at stake. However this was far a typical day at the office, as in-truth the purpose of the match was to bid farewell to Diego Milito, a Spring celebration of a love that will never die between the young Argentine and the people of Genova.

For the most part the match was a well constructed encounter with relegation threatened Lecce showing well early on. However little by by little, Genoa ate away at their visitors lines and begin to pry them open. Midway of the opening half Sokratis Papastathopoulos created space on the right and sent a perfect cross into the box from the right byline that Crvena Zvezda product Boško Janković flicked artistically into the back of the net giving the Rossoblu. Down by one, Lecce showed tremendous pride and a few minutes past the half hour mark Simone Tiribocchi drove the ball to the opposite corner from the top of the box bringing the match even. Still all eyes were on Il Principe and with touch of the ball, the faithful rose to their feet, hoping and wishing that their hero would give them one last memory to cling to. That would come in time and oh how would it but first seven minutes into the new half, Diego drove into the area and from the left side of the area he laid the ball back to Domenico Criscito to pound into the opposite corner of the net. Now with a 2-1 lead, the stage was sent for the final Act to be played out. Four minutes shy of the hour, from the right Giuseppe Sculli fed the ball to the man of the day and after a touch for control he deftly chipped the ball in. The crowd roared its approval with ounce of strength it could muster but still there was so much more to come. With twenty-three minutes remaining Anthony Vanden Borre split the Lecce defenders providing Diego the perfect opportunity for this second of the day and he naturally obliged to make it 4-1, sending the faithful into rapturous delight. Despite a number of fine opportunities thereafter the match concluded without further mark but that of-course was only the opening Act for the day.

The real story of the day was not of the match or even Diego Milito's "storybook" two goals but the tearful goodbye shared by fans and the player alike. There are annual "goodbyes" and even chances when teams thank their supporters but this was no typical encounter. Reaching to every corner of the grounds, his personal relationship with the fans was earnest and something rarely seen in the sport today. This wasn't merely respectful or even of a man accepting of being the idol of many but a deep love and care for the area.

The "how's" and "why" the deal to see him off to Inter Milan is one to speculate and I very much doubt I will ever believe I will ever believe this is a deal Diego Milito wished to see happen. However one thing I am positive of after witnessing this outpouring today, Il Principe will forever be at home in Genova.

Diego Milito issues public statement

Diego Milito expresses his care for the people of Genova in a heartfelt open letter to the public, published on the club web-site.

Quite obviously troubled by his departure to Inter Milan, the Argentine striker stressed his care for the fans and that "we will see each other again and that this isn't a goodbye." Throughout the honest letter, Il Principe expresses his love for the club and people and the values of the genoanità, which he will carry forward in his own family.

I hasten to call this a "well crafted" letter and only make note of this as I believe this is far from a "public relations" move. In an era where athletes move to the next club the moment the fund transfer is complete, this speaks volumes of Il Principe.

Genoa v Lecce match preview

As the campaign comes to a conclusion Sunday afternoon with Lecce visiting Stadio Luigi Ferraris this match will without question be a "farewell match" for Diego Milito. Il Principe is off to Inter Milan yet a day before his final appearance for the Rossoblu he issued one of the most heartfelt statements to the public this writer has seen in the sport for quite some time. In a sport that barely resembles its past at time for the vast riches bestowed on players, Mr Milito effectively cast his image in bronze of Genova with his undying love for the people of the area. Rarely in today's game do you see someone rise above it, to express the principles of the area as something he wishes to pass onto his family but Il Principe has done precisely that and will forever be the Genova's chosen son.

It has been an extraordinary year, possibly incomprehensible at times as the club that fought back from Serie B will now ply its trade in the Europa League. As #22 walks off the pitch one final time, no doubt it will be a difficult one for the faithful to accept but as they look back upon the year it will be hailed as one of the clubs finest moments.

The match is of-course of little statistical consequence. The table as already been set for both sides with Lecce unable to escape relegation. The only absences for Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be without Rubén Olivera and Ivan Jurić, both suspended for last weekends shenanigans as well as Raffaele Palladino who are injured. Giuseppe Sculli and Boško Janković will have the honour of forming the attacking trident with Diego Milito this one final time.

Genoa accepts Inter Milan's want-away players

As the transfer season begins to mull over in Serie A, rumours are starting to fly with possible additions to the Genoa. While Atalanta's talented striker Sergio Floccari has been added, both Ricardo Quaresma and Hernán Crespo have equally to said to be making their way to Genova from Inter Milan. It is important to recall that this comes a short-time after Genoa agreed to sell both Diego Milito and Thiago Motto to Inter Milan.

While neither transfer of the transfers from Inter to Genoa has been formerly confirmed, Ricardo Quaresma has told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he wished to return to José Mourinho's side. The former Porto man who spent much of the campaign at Chelsea said:

“I’m going back to Inter to stay.

“I know that my first stint did not go well, much because I did not take part in the pre-season training. My agent has offered me to other clubs, some in Italy, but I rejected them.

While the addition of either of the Inter players is questionable to Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical styling, there is equally an odd tone to the co mingling of deals that sent Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to Milan with Ricardo Quaresma and Hernán Crespo. I very much doubt Genoa president Enrico Preziosi will address the issue but why are the Rossoblu accepting Inter Milan's "want-away" players? Without a doubt Ricardo Quaresma is a talented player but he adjusted very poorly to Serie A and if José Mourinho can't get the most out of him few will. With complete respect to Hernán Crespo, it pains me to say the best days of the former River Plate-man are well behind him and it is debatable that he can effective on a week to week basis. While I have a great deal of hope, the club should be investing in players that can immediately assist in their new-found European efforts but always with a long-term vision.

One player who will have an solid impact in-time is Nenad Tomović. A highly versatile defender / midfielder who hails from Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) has been capped for Serbia and while early in his development he is quite capable of being a shining star with Genoa. The club has come to agreement with the legendary Belgrade side but it very likely he will be loaned back and the sale was negotiated to ease the massive financial burden the club is going through. It would be extremely wise for Genoa to consider similar arrangements with some of young Mr. Tomović's teammates such as Vladimir Bogdanović and Nemanja Pejčinović as well as Nenad Milijaš for immediate impact.

Appropriate discipline handed down after fight between Genoa and Torino

The aftermath of the raucous fight in Genoa's recent match against Torino has been swift and to the point. Sporting Judge Gianpaolo Tosel has acted accordingly and made it known that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

Torino was particularly hard hit with Marco Pisano and Angelo Ogbonna off for four matches with Aimo Diana, and Francesco Pratali and their brilliant striker Rolando Bianchi receiving two-match bans. This will naturally have a massive impact upon their last gasp effort to avoid relegation. For Genoa Rubén Olivera will miss the next three match-day whilst Ivan Jurić is out for two.

Genoa defeat Torino 3-2 with late goal by Diego Milito

In a highly feisty match, Genoa beat relegation threatened Torino 3-2 via a late goal by Diego Milito.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, assured of a Europa League berth, went on the attack from the start but after an early series of positive advances momentum evened up. For much of the opening half-hour, both sides had promising opportunities snuffed out just before the final strike. However two minutes past the hour, Genoa was awarded a penalty after Marco Pisano was adjudged to fouling Marco Pisano in the area, resulting in Diego Milito's straight-forward conversion. The lead did not last long as the host drew the match level eight minutes later as Torino capitalized on lax defending at the back as a long pass into the box was headed-on by Angelo Obinze Ogbonna to Ivan Franceschini for an efficient volley from the centre of the box. The back and forth pacing continued and three minutes after the hour Rubén Olivera struck a free kick from twenty-metres into the back of the net. Only a minute later the match squared as Torino's brilliant striker Rolando Bianchi deftly chipped the ball over 'keeper Rubinho from left side of the box to the opposite corner. For much of the remaining match Torino controlled the majority of notable scoring chances, with both Alessandro Rosina and Nicola Ventola denied at the last moment. Finally with a minute remaining Ivan Jurić's long cross into the box was sent in by Il Principe for a stunning late victory. The final moments of the match broke down into a full scale fight between both sides which will certainly draw suspension.

Genoa's trip to Torino

With Genoa's Europa League berth settled, the Rossoblu travel to face troubled Torino.

This is unquestionably what they would call a match of pride. For Gian Piero Gasperini's side their fate is already set and if the time is used properly, it will mean younger players are given the opportunity to play in a higher pressure environment. Whether this proves out remains to be seen but with Torino scrapping to avoid relegation, it will be a tough fight.

Genoa's absences are unchanged with Raffaele Palladino and Giuseppe Biava out. Diego Milito, fresh on the heels of the announecement that he is headed to Inter Milan, will lead the attacking trident of Giuseppe Sculli and Boško Janković. Torino has come alive at the end of the campaign with Rolando Bianchi showing the confidence deserving of his vast potential.

Diego Milito sold to Inter Milan

Such a telling time of year, Aprill with his shoures soote has now passed and the Footballing world as begun its panoramic fade to black as the tale concludes. Hero's have risen that will forever be remembered with a glint eyed vision in time.

The people of Genova will forever remember the year of 2009 as the time their little
Rossoblu climbed to the top of the Footballing world. In only a blink of an eye, their story went from the rapturous delight of returning to Serie A to going toe to toe with titans of the sport with Il Principe leading the charge. A simple story really, the hero rides in and plays out the hopes of dreams of the townspeople that only a youthful heart could have painted with such rich colours. Yet in the final act, when the moment is about to take the step towards lore that will be remembered through time, fate jumps in and washes the canvass to black as Diego Milito has been be sold to Inter Milan for gold, trinkets and everything else that means nothing to those that bleed for this club.

Across the press-wire it was announced in straight, efficient and unsuspecting fashion that Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has agreed to sell Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to Inter Milan, adding that Sergio Floccari would be jettisoned in from Atalanta. Rumours continued that Robert Acquafresca would be making his way to the Genoa after being on loan to Sardinia’s Cagliari. Straight, efficient and to the point as well as lacking a morsel of journalistic review, questioning and anything else you would hope for by the modern media.

To some, this deal will make "sense" as the rumoured replacements are certainly quite capable and the cash flow will certainly provide the club the ability to bolster its depth. However there is a stench to it that doesn't sit right when the league champion sweeps in before the curtain has dropped to purchase your best player. There are no remedies, the game has bought and sold itself many a time now and backroom deals are not simply maddening to the fans but equally raises an suspecting eyebrow in how these are orchestrated.

Said in many a way, vivere senza rimpianti or if you will Non, je ne regrette rien, the club will regret taking its hero from the people.

Genoa secures it spot in Europe

Genoa's stunning achievement from Serie B side to European football was etched in stone as the Rossoblu played Chievo to a 2-2 draw at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday afternoon. With the result Genoa is firmly locked fifth in the table with a five margin above Roma, with remaining matches against Torino and Lecce.

After a resounding start for the home-side that came out short, it was Chievo that took the shocking lead ten minutes prior to the break as Luciano's provision from the byline to the right was volleyed in by Giampiero Pinzi from a few metres out. The goal came after a series of brilliant advances from Giuseppe Sculli and Boško Janković, each ending in frustration. A goal down now Genoa raced back with the Crvena Zvezda product Janković proving why he is mentioned as a target by a number of squads, creating a number of chances. Genoa was fortunate not to trail by two at the break as a late surging run ending with a goal by Sergio Pellissier was erased due to a handball. However without further mark the match went to the break with the side from beautiful Verona holding a one goal lead. Eight minutes after the restart Genoa had its chance as the spot was pointed to as Mario Yepes was adjudged a penalty. Diego Milito quickly strode up and confidently drove the ball into the net bringing the faithful to their feet realizing European football nears. With nineteen minutes left, Rubén Olivera struck a free-kick to the upper right corner to give Genoa the 2-1 lead. Thoughts of the victory ended with five minutes left as Sergio Pellissier headed-in Simone Bentivoglio's corner to square the match at two but that certainly did not hold back the celebration as Genoa has secured its spot in Europe.

Genoa heads to final three weeks against Chievo

With three remaining weeks in their extraordinary Serie A campaign, Genoa welcomes Chievo to Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday afternoon. Any attempt to label the year pales in comparison to the actual accomplishments as Genoa turned the corner from the problematic 90's, re-emerged in Serie A last year and now sits on the cusp of winning a berth in the Europa League.

Naturally, as is so often the case, success has brought many admirers and with the end of the year in sight rumours are rampant of the future of talisman striker Diego Milito, Giandomenico Mesto and Boško Janković to name only a few. Speculation is futile at this point but as the Footballing world grapples with its financial underpinnings being shook out, there will be a number of opportunities that a club with a sturdy balance sheet can take care of. This is particularly important for a club such as Genoa and while it pains me to say it, Rossoblu supporters need to prepared for a number of changes.

Certainly one of the hottest commodities in the Serie A is the leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini, who many believe is nearing his final period in charge of Genoa. That not-so hot little rumour aside the Rossoblu leader enters a particular period with his side close to securing a spot in Europa but sputtering to the finish line. After a brilliant start to the second half of the year, Genoa are chugging along and lost some of their shine recently. With their tactical plan becoming remarkably predictable he has been slowly tinkering the formation and in light of a series of absences he is likely to use four in the backline in a 4-2-3-1. Whether this maintains its shape is reason for concern as when using this lineup in the past they have often drifted to more of a stacked and packed midfield and much of their attacking vision has slowed with fear of going forward. Should they utilize this formation Diego Milito will play up-top with support provided by a quorum of Giuseppe Sculli, Omar Milanetto, Raffaele Palladino and Boško Janković, who continues to exhibit his vast potential as he did coming up through the ranks of Crvena Zvezda.

As they approach Sunday's affair against the visitors from beautiful Verona, Genoa will be without the services of versatile Giandomenico Mesto, Domenico Criscito and former AEK man Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Chievo, who many felt "a lock" for relegation at the start of the campaign have simply been outstanding of-late as they have scratched and clawed their way out of the basement. With recent top shelf draws against Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus they have exhibited a curmudgeonly approach to defending and Genoa should anticipate the same on Sunday.

Domenico Criscito gives Genoa draw against Atalanta

Genoa's Champions League hopes were put in-doubt as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Atalanta. Following the weekend action Gian Piero Gasperini’s Rossoblu trail Fiorentina by three points with remaining matches in the campaign against Chievo, Torino and Lecce.

The Nerazzurri were in clear control of the attacking vision match early as Genoa seemed to forget they were in race for European football. Nine minutes in, Sergio Floccari lead a fast counter only to provide the ball to Simone Padoin on his left with a subsequent low cross being sent to Chilean international Jaime Valdés who made no mistake from the edge of the six yard box to make it 1-0. The opening half lingered on from Genoa's perspective and in-truth they were fortunate to escape only a goal down despite continuing to hold a high percentage of ball possession. With the restart Boško Janković and Marco Rossi were summoned for Omar Milanetto and Giandomenico Mesto with the intent of stirring a rather docile performance. Slowly opportunities emerged Genoa but each was held back. However with fifteen minutes remaining they received a major break as Tiberio Guarente received his second yellow-card of the day forcing Atalanta to play a man down for the balance of the match. Finally as time wound down Genoa snatch a draw from the disappointing day as Domenico Criscito poached on a close range effort with square the match 1-1.

Genoa pushes towards Champions League

Following last weeks slug-fest derby win over Sampdoria, Genoa travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta. With only four match-days remaining in the campaign Gian Piero Gasperini's Rossoblu trail Fiorentina by a single point for the final Champions League spot but do have the advantage of an easier remaining schedule. With this in mind, Genoa will need to apply pressure Sunday afternoon with three points.

Heading into the match Gian Piero Gasperini will need to deal with a series of losses that will tax their tactical plans. Both Matteo Ferrari and Thiago Motta are unavailable able due to suspension, with Salvatore Bocchetti needing to step-up into the centre the backline trident of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Domenico Criscito. With Thiago Motta out of the midfield Omar Milanetto is most likely to move into a central role with former Crvena Zvezda Boško Janković possibly taking a row in the wing. Beyond that attacking vision should be unchanged with Diego Milito looking to continue last weeks three goal outpouring alongside Raffaele Palladino and Giuseppe Sculli.

Atalanta, possibly one of the most efficient managed sides in Serie A given its track record of success and extraordinary salary limitations is coming off a dreadful Udinese and will be looking to respond in front of their home supporters. Their superb manager Luigi Del Neri will be without Gianpaolo Bellini and Cristiano Doni but does have Austrian international György Garics back from injury.

Diego Milito leads Genoa to derby victory

Genoa's search for a Champions League berth took a strong step forward with a heated 3-1 victory over Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferraris Sunday evening. Fueled by Diego Milito three goals, the Rossoblu responded perfectly to last weeks loss to Bologna against their rivals and are only a point behind fourth place Fiorentina.

In a highly physical derby, Il Principe gave Genoa the lead at the half-hour as sent in Matteo Ferrari flick on following a corner. Although Genoa was owning the balance of attacking impetus, just before the break Hugo Campagnaro sent it a loose ball via a errant attempt by Angelo Palombo. Reaching for fresh attacking inspiration Giandomenico Mesto summoned Marco Rossi at the hour and with seventeen minutes remaining Genoa found the lead again in surprising fashion. As Gennaro Delvecchio's clearance fell short to Domenico Criscito, the talented young defender dispatched the ball to Diego Milito for a brilliant finish. As the match wound down red-cards cascaded with both Matteo Ferrari sent off with three minutes remaining and both Hugo Campagnaro and Thiago Motta shown the door for a physical altercation. Looking for the equalizer Sampdoria was prone at the back and the striker found his third of the night as Omar Milanetto's long ball to Raffaele Palladino was further linked-up for a close range finish.

Genoa's Champions League quest starts with Sampdoria

Genoa's returns to the Champions League hunt as Sampdoria visits Stadio Luigi Ferraris Sunday evening. In the midst of a two match losing streak, including last weeks pithy display to relegation threatened Bologna, the Rossoblu have dropped to fifth in the table and showing all the signs of a club stalling out just before the finish line. While supporters will look back fondly to the successes of the campaign, the dropping of the last two matches have been very costly and if reversed could have seen threaten Juventus or AC Milan by seasons-end. However all of that is another tale of the rear-view mirror that need not be discussed and Gian Piero Gasperini must address the final five matches with conviction.

As Genoa learns to fly in European football it must learn to kill off lesser opponents but equally be able to play with a broader verse of styling. The recent dip in form is due to clubs understanding their tactical approach and countering with appropriate measures. With the final five weeks of the campaign if they are to twist the screw and overtake Fiorentina for a spot in the Champions League they will need to play with greater confidence and be able to adjust to rapidly changing environments. On the positive side their remaining schedule is made for a five match undefeated run but first they need to get past Sampdoria.

Complacency shows as Genoa loses

Sometimes the harshest medicine is the most beneficial. If that is the case for Genoa, over the last two weeks they have become complacent during a time when they should be killing off the competition and earning a spot in European football.

For the second successive week shows as Rossoblu were held scoreless as they lost 2-0 to a committed Bologna side fighting for their Serie A survival. Match analysis is more of a carbon copy of the recent Lazio encounter whereby they not only have succumbed to the highly predictable plan of attack but have lacked the intestinal fortitude to press on. Following a early Genoa opportunity that proved fruitless, Bologna took the lead at the quarter-mark on the most peculiar of situations. In an attacking advance by Bologna, Genoa 'keeper Rubinho meandered far out of his goal and as an effort was turned towards the goal Salvatore Bocchetti casually turned the ball back instead of launching a long clearance. His touch was far too heavy and as Nicola Mingazzini charged in for the loose ball, contact was made with a penalty being adjudged. It was a deplorable comedy of errors on many aspects that isn't befitting of a side trying to earn a berth in the Champions League and Marco Di Vaio reminded his former teammates of his ability by slamming the ball to the back of net. Only ten minutes later Bologna turned the screw a morsel tighter as another Genoa alumni, Adaílton sent a free-kick into the box that Claudio Terzi turned in from close range. Opportunities to bring the match to within one came for Genoa but finishing was a painful mess and for the most part the heart and soul of Bologna, refusing to go softly into Serie B drove them forward for the 2-0 victory.

Rossoblu visit Bologna

The Rossoblu head to Bologna with their sites firmly set on earning a Champions League berth. Trailing Fiorentina by a single point, a victory would return Gian Piero Gasperini's side back into fourth place as they head into the final month of the campaign.

The big news of the for Genoa is the return of Diego Milito to the fold and he is expected to form the attacking trident alongside in-form Raffaele Palladino and Giuseppe Sculli. Genoa's health is returning to optimal with the only notable exceptions being Alessio Scarpi and Matteo Paro.

For the home side the recent play has been disastrous, losing five successive matches while being out-scored 15-4 during the period and costing Siniša Mihajlović his managerial job. With five matches remaining, their hopes to avoid relegation hopes will be greatly advanced with points against Genoa.

Genoa falters to Lazio

Genoa's hopes for a Champions League berth made a wrong turn as Lazio proved to be too much and handed them a 1-0 loss at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday afternoon. For the Rossoblu, a Fiorentina win against Udinese would cast them to fourth-place and into a Europa League spot.

For Gian Piero Gasperini's men the day will be remembered for missed opportunities and litany of break-downs in the midfield. Squandering chances starting with Giuseppe Biava effort two minutes in that rattled the post to Giuseppe Sculli's a few minutes later, Genoa's finishing was atrocious and only surpassed by broken passes and insufficient work-rate. Rubinho did well to hold back Macedonian international Goran Pandev near the half hour but there was not stopping the winning goal that came five minutes past the hour. With Genoa exposed at the back Cristian Ledesma's long pass found Mauro Zárate, with the Vélez Sársfield product heading the ball on before firing into the net. For the final stages of the match, Genoa was unable to launch a successful attack and without the work of Rubinho and Matteo Ferrari the scoreline could have been much worse. Without further mark the match concluded with Genoa losing 1-0 and raising significant questions on tactical play given the injury situation.

It was abundantly clear that a number of players were rushed into Genoa's lineup and Gian Piero Gasperini was forced to use a less-than optimal eleven. However the squads inability to shift tactics and utilize a more appropriate formation given such personnel weaknesses was exposed by Lazio's defensive prowess and patience.