Juventus vs Genoa: Preview and Prediction

Juventus vs Genoa
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 23 April 2017
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Juventus Stadium (Turin).

Fresh off a very impressive feat in the Champions League, Juventus now turn their attention back to domestic affairs as they take on Genoa.

Not only did the Bianconeri beat Barcelona, but they did so without conceding a single goal. The Blaugrana were perhaps hoping to pull off another comeback like they did against PSG, who won the first leg 4-0 only to lose 6-1. However, Juventus are way more defensively solid than Les Parisiens, and whilst the ambitious, cash-rich club showed naïveté at Camp Nou, there was none of that for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. They put in a wonderful defensive performance to shut down Lionel Messi & Co. and deservedly booked their spot in the semi-finals as the only side to keep a clean sheet over 180 minutes.

Two games now separate them from the final, something that Juventus have wanted to finally establish themselves as among Europe’s elite. Until then, however, it’s back to Serie A duty as they welcome Genoa. Interestingly, the last time the two sides met, the Grifone shocked Juve by beating them 3-1, but lots has happened since then.

At that point in time, Genoa were still viewed as dark horses for a European spot. Now they are in the bottom half of the table, and the only reason they aren’t in the relegation spots is due to the struggles of Pescara, Palermo, and Crotone.

Ivan Juric’s back on the bench after making a return post his sacking; Andrea Mandorlini just did not cut it for the struggling side. The Croatian tactician marked his return by managing a draw against Lazio, but they are taking on a side who have no problems with scoring – nor keeping their opponents quiet.
In addition, Genoa do not have a good traveling record. Juventus, meanwhile, are still the only side in Serie A to lose at home, after Fiorentina lost shockingly to Empoli last weekend, and a straightforward three points seem to be in order for the Serie A champs as they chase a Treble this term.

Juventus vs Genoa: Head-to-head statistics

• Juventus have a 100 per cent win record in their last 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table.
• Genoa are the only team to have beaten Juventus twice under Massimiliano Allegri in Serie A.
• Juventus have won more Serie A games against Genoa than any other side has (59).
• The Bianconeri have conceded more than two goals in only one of their last 138 league games: the reverse fixture against Genoa (3-1).
• Genoa have failed to win 15 of their last 16 matches in Serie A.
• Juventus have won their last 32 home matches.
• La Vecchia Signora have won 8 of their last 10 home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
• Juventus have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 home matches.
• The Old Lady kept a clean sheet in their last 3 home matches against Genoa in all competitions.
• The Grifone have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches

Juventus vs Genoa: Prediction

Genoa have failed to win in their last three trips to face Juventus. In fact, not only have the Grifone lost those games, but also have failed to score during that time. Although Juve will be tired after their exertions in the Champions League, Massimiliano Allegri is not expected to rotate his squad much. With Marko Pjaca out, he will likely have to play a lot of his key players, as Miralem Pjanic is suspended for this tie.

Juventus should be able to record another shut-out and a comprehensive victory in order to further solidify their grip at the top of the Serie A table.