Bitesize Prediction: Roma vs Genoa – 12/01/22

Competition: Coppa Italia

Market: Roma win

Odds: 1/2 @ 888sport

Turning their attention back to Coppa Italia duties on Thursday night, Roma will welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico.

Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a stellar late comeback away at AC Milan last weekend as they eventually snatched a 2-2 draw, Roma will be looking to use that flurry as a platform to build on. Marking their return from the World Cup’s winter break with a 1-0 victory at home against Bologna on January 4th, Jose Mourinho’s men will be hoping to find some stability in 2023. Although the Italian giants might have only claimed a single win from their last five domestic matchups on either side of the World Cup break, the former Chelsea boss should be smelling the chance for his side to pick up a Coppa Italia advantage in midweek. While Roma might have had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate when they last faced off against Genoa 11 months ago, they do hold an eye-catching record against Thursday’s guests. In fact, Mourinho’s men are unbeaten in each of their last 16 straight meetings against Genoa – a run that stems all the way back to May 2014.

As for the visitors, after losing their Serie A status last season, it is no secret that Genoa have their sights set on clinching an immediate top-flight return in 2023. Although Alberto Gilardino’s men might have endured a hugely worrying run of form when heading into December, the Griffins do appear to have put those issues behind them. However, while the midweek guests might have claimed 10 points from their last four Serie B outings, there is no doubt that Genoa face a tough step up in class at the Stadio Olimpico. Remarkably without a single victory away at Roma since way back in 1990, it should be noted that Gilardino’s side have shown some inconsistencies on the road this season. Mustering just a single second-tier win away from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris since the end of October, we’re backing a tough Coppa Italia first-leg for Genoa here.

Bet: Roma 1/2 to beat Genoa in Thursday’s Coppa Italia battle @ 888sport