Udinese vs Genoa Match Preview
Genoa's compelling transfer activity could pay dividends this season.
Udinese take on Genoa at the Stadio Friuli with new coach Francesco Guidolin at the helm. The coach, who has had a former stint at Palermo, will be eager to get his season started with a victory against a Genoa side that has bought considerably well during the summer.
Luca Toni, Rafinha and Miguel Veloso all joined Genoa in high profile moves, and if the club’s ambition proves commensurate to their performances, then Genoa should finish near the top of Serie A. They certainly have the team, but maybe not the requisite experience. Sculli, Toni, and Palacio should start up front, while the midfield will most likely feature Rafinha and Veloso. Portuguese goalkeeper Eduardo takes his place between the goalposts.
Udinese’s transfer dealings have not caught the eye, but their star player Antonio Di Natale could be on his way to Juventus. The diminutive striker recently proclaimed his love for his club, but there are indications that he is studying Juve’s offer. Since he is well into his thirties, the offer may well be too much to turn down.
Antonio Candreva, a new signing, and Sanchez should form the supporting cast behind Di Natale. The defence will see Zapata, Coda, and Domizzi in front of goalkeeper Handanovic.
This should be an intriguing encounter, largely because it will signal the intent of the middle tier. Genoa and Udinese both have ambitions to break into the top four—and with Sampdoria’s exploits last season, they will feel they can do it—and ties like these crystallize the direct competition.
This will probably end in a 1-1 draw.
Udinese vs Genoa Match Report
Two sides could not be separated until Giandomenico Mesto's super overhead kick in the 81st minute proved the difference in a 1-0 Genoa win over Udinese. It was a fantastic opening goal for the new season, which could indeed prove to be the goal of the season.
Genoa pressed early on, and Giuseppe Sculli's header could have given them the lead in the 23rd minute, but Handanovic pulled off a terrific save.
It was not all positive for Genoa as they lost Luca Toni to injury in the 39th minute. The imposing striker was replaced by former Juve man Raffaele Palladino.
Udinese endeavoured to break the deadlock when Maurizio Domizzi fired in a powerful shot, only for Eduardo to parry his effort. And it was Eduardo again that kept out Antonio Di Natale's shot from the edge of the box.
The game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until Mesto's magic near the end.
- Hasan Saiyid
