Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Friday night, Roma will welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma
Starting with the hosts, snatching what was dramatic last-gasp equaliser away at Bologna last weekend, Roma have largely impressed since Claudio Ranieri returned to the Stadio Olimpico back in November. Dragging themselves into the top-half of the Serie A standings, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Extending on their Coppa Italia adventure last month as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Sampdoria, Roma have also found a recent clinical edge in the final third. Getting the New Year underway with a stellar 2-0 victory against arch-rivals Lazio, it is worth noting that Friday’s hosts have notched 14 goals in just their previous five showdowns.
Roma Team News
Not making a single appearance since the start of December and still dealing with an ankle issue, Bryan Cristante will miss out here. However, aside from the Italian international, Roma have reported a clean bill of health heading into Friday’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.
Appearing to have found his feet in Rome and now notching four goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions, Artem Dovbyk will lead the line. Despite continued speculation over a move away this month, former Juventus ace Paulo Dybala should join Dovbyk in the final third.
Genoa
As for the visitors, although some around Liguria might have been shocked back in November following Patrick Vieira’s arrival, Genoa are clearly enjoying life under the former Crystal Palace boss. Last seen putting in another gritty display as they clinched a 1-0 victory against Parma, the Griffins now sit within touching distance of breaking into the top-half. Signing off 2024 with a 2-1 win away at Empoli, Friday’s guests have registered seven points from their previous three Serie A appearances. In fact, Genoa have remarkably suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 1- consecutive outings – a run that stems all the way back to October 31st. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog contender here, Vieira’s side should be relishing a trip to Rome this weekend.
Genoa Team News
Limping off against Parma last weekend, Genoa are sweating over the fitness of veteran midfielder Milan Badelj. Despite arriving from Arsenal on a permanent basis last summer, 21-year-old Brooke Norton-Cuffy is still dealing with a recent thigh injury.
Not making a single appearance since way back on September 21st, Ukrainian international Ruslan Malinovsky will not feature at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite notching just a single strike from any of his previous six Serie A appearances, ex-Inter Milan striker Andrea Pinamonti will lead the line.
Roma vs Genoa Key Factors to Consider
- When Roma and Genoa met for their reverse Serie A showdown on September 15th, Friday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Liguria.
- The Wolves have notched 14 goals in just their last five appearances across all competitions.
- Genoa have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 10 consecutive Serie A appearances.
- Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk has scored four goals in his previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Six of the last seven meetings between Roma and Genoa have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Roma might have found a route into the top-half of the Serie A table, Friday’s hosts could have a tricky test on their hands here. Only collecting a 1-1 stalemate when they travelled to Liguria for their reverse top-flight showdown on September 15th, Genoa are enjoying what has become a remarkable extended flurry. Losing just one of their previous 10 consecutive appearances, the Greyhounds have continued to demonstrate that they will ask some major questions. With six of the last seven meetings between Friday’s opponents finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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