Genoa vs Udinese: Preview and Prediction

Genoa vs Udinese
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 06 November 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris (Genoa).

Both Genoa and Udinese, who sit in mid-table, will look to head into the international hiatus with a win as they duel at the Stadio Communale Luigi Ferraris this Sunday.

Only one point presently divide the Grifone from the Zebrette. However, due to the congested nature in the table, at the start of round 12, Genoa find themselves in 10th, whereas Udinese sit in 13th. Of course, that could certainly change by the time the dust settles at the conclusion of matchday 12 on Sunday evening. Genoa will be eager to get back on track after losing 3-0 to Atalanta, which put a dent in any celebrations after a confidence-boosting victory over AC Milan in the previous round.

Currently under the tutelage of ex-Crotone boss Ivan Juric, the Grifone are not exactly in the best of form as of late. And this is something Udinese will want to take advantage of. The Zebrette appear to be slowly growing in confidence after a difficult start and have picked up seven points out of a possible nine from their last three games. They surely will be kicking themselves after failing to close out the game against Torino, where they were actually leading 2-1 before throwing away a goal and two points.

Had they won, the Bianconeri would actually have moved into the top half of the table. As noted before, the congestion in the middle areas means that they can head into the international break leapfrogging Genoa should they get a good result.
What could cost them, however, is their less than air-tight defense. Although they have outscored their opponents so far (15 goals vs. 12) Udinese have conceded 18, versus Genoa’s 10.

Genoa vs Udinese: Head-to-head statistics

• Genoa are undefeated in their last five home games.
• Udinese have scored at least two goals in their last three league games.
• The Grifone have won 12, drawn five, and lost three out of their last 20 home games versus teams below them in the table.
• The Zebrette have won just one out of their last 20 away games against teams ranked higher than them in the table (six draws, 13 losses).
• Udinese have won just four out of their past 20 meetings with Genoa (11 losses, five draws).
• The Zebrette least beat the Grifone on September 24, 2013 (1-0), since then they have drawn three and lost two.
• There have been over 2.5 goals in Genoa’s past three matches and Udinese’s past 5 games

Genoa vs Udinese: Prediction

Despite marking his Udinese debut with a loss (2-1 to Juventus), Luigi Delneri seems to have stabilized the ship somewhat. As noted before, the Zebrette have won two and drawn the other of their past three games. They are truly growing in confidence. That being said, Genoa are a tough customer at their home ground. The Grifone have had their problems, and Udinese could possibly take advantage of this to snatch at least a point. A win, however, could be too tough for the visitors.