Football Season Guide

Compared with the two previous campaigns, when they finished 17th on both occasions, last season will be seen as a step up for Genoa, who finished just 3 points off the top 10. The truth is that they only managed to achieve this once Davide Ballardini took over from the disastrous Rolando Maran. Ballardini managed to transform the team tightening up the defence and picking up wins when they were most needed. Doing so saw him confirmed at the helm for the new season. As always happens with President Preziosi, the summer led to a major overhaul with no less than 5 starters leaving, together with an array of less important supporting players. Truth be said, the likes of Perin, Scamacca, Strootman, Zajc and Zappacosta were all bound to leave anyway due to the end of their loans from bigger clubs while only surprising forward Shomudorov left for good money. In terms of new signings, free agent Sirigu represents a perfect replacement for Perin while Vanheusden, on loan from Inter, could become a protagonist at the back despite his young age and Sabelli should represent an alternative for the flanks. Hernani could feature in the middle of the park together with Agudelo, who can also act more offensively. Ekuban is set to earn some playing time up-front with Buksa also representing an interesting prospect. Genoa are still on the hunt for a midfielder to properly replace the departed Strootman, while they are also a bit short at the back. In the meantime, they are close to finalising Lammers's acquisition from Atalanta and his arrival would definitely be important for their attack.