Analysis of our next opponent
Genoa have lost their last three league games and will be seeking redemption at the Maradona, as declared by their coach, Patrick Vieira. However, the Grifone have not won in their last 14 away matches in Naples in Serie A. There are only four teams in the Italian top flight against which they have a longer winless run away from home - Inter (18), Juventus (21), Roma (22) and Fiorentina (26). What’s more, in these last 14 away days in Naples the Grifone have scored only six goals in total, so they will need to dig deep to reverse the trend. The visitors will be looking to get a goal this weekend, having not managed one on the road since 7 March away to Cagliari. A huge positive for Genoa is the fact that they have no pressing need for points – they have now reached the 39-point mark, meaning their status in Serie A is secured for next season.
Vieira's Genoa: high pressing and increasing intensity during games
Offensive pressing is a key trait of Patrick Vieira's Genoa - they have won back 229 balls within a maximum of 40 meters from their opponent's goal in Serie A 2024/25, sitting only behind than Bologna (246), Atalanta (245), Empoli (236) and Roma (231). The Rossoblu are a physical outfit, having made 637 tackles this season – only Empoli (653) can top this. They have also won 639 aerial duels in Serie A 2024/25 – more than any other team. In terms of the timing of scoring goals, Genoa favour the second halves of games – 23 of their 30 goals in Serie A this season have come after the half-time break, a percentage of 77%, which is a division record.
Pinamonti’s desire for goals, Martin’s creativity, Frendrup’s relentlessness
Genoa need to get Andrea Pinamonti firing on all cylinders once more. The Rossoblu striker has already caused a stir against Napoli in the past, having netted a brace for his old side Empoli on 24 April 2022 against the Azzurri – one of the four occasions on which he has scored more than one goal in a game in Serie A. What’s more, the 25-year-old got on the scoresheet in the first meeting between the two sides this season, cutting the defecit in a 2-1 defeat at the Ferraris. Aaron Martin might be the man to set up Pinamonti to score. The defender has created 59 chances for his team-mates this season – more than any other player at the club – including last time out, when he laid on a great ball for Vitinha against Milan. The Catalan full-back has made five assists this season, all of them crosses, a haul that gives him a personal record in a season in the top five European leagues. While Martin has the role of creating, his team-mate Morten Frendrup is tasked with holding the fort. The midfielder has intercepted 46 balls this season in Serie A and has recovered possession on 175 occasions. Additionally, the Maradona is a memorable place for the Dane – he scored his maiden Serie A goal in Naples, last season on 17 February 2024.
