It’s been a tough start to life as Genoa boss for Andriy Shevchenko and another daunting task awaits as the Rossoblù visit Juventus on Sunday night.
Shevchenko’s Genoa are yet to score after three games, with their sole point arriving in a stalemate away at Udinese in the Ukrainian’s second game in charge. Otherwise, it’s been a pretty bleak opening for the new boss, with AS Roma and AC Milan claiming 2-0 and 3-0 victories over Genoa respectively.
For Juventus, Sunday’s bout against an injury-ridden Rossoblù is the perfect opportunity to build on the momentum gained in their 2-0 triumph over Salernitana in the week. While any excitement should be tempered considering the nature of the opposition, there were plenty of positives to take from Tuesday night’s win.
The Bianconeri, who enjoy a kind run of fixtures to end the calendar year, sit seventh in Serie A after 15 games having lost a third of their encounters already. They’re seven points adrift of the top four with league leaders Napoli holding a 12-point advantage over the Old Lady.
A winning run to end 2021 is imperative.
Here’s our preview of Sunday night’s Serie A clash between Juventus and Genoa.
How to Watch Juventus vs Genoa
When is kick-off? Sunday 5 December
What time is kick-off? 19:45 (BST)
Where is it played? Allianz Stadium
TV channel/live stream? BT Sport 1 (UK), Paramount+ (US)
Juventus Team News
Putting in the #JuveGenoa grind 😤💪
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) December 2, 2021
Weston McKennie is poised to make a quick return to action after suffering a minor knee injury in the defeat to Atalanta last weekend. The American should make Allegri’s matchday squad for Sunday.
Mattia De Sciglio is also back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Danilo and Federico Chiesa are long-term absentees for the Bianconeri, with Aaron Ramsey unlikely to return.
Alvaro Morata is expected to regain his spot in the starting XI after ending his Serie A goal drought off the bench in Tuesday’s victory over Salernitana.
Genoa Team News
Shevchenko is dealing with a lengthy injury list. Centre-back Nikola Maksimovic, full-back Domenico Criscito, midfielder Francesco Cassata, winger Mohamed Fares and striker Felipe Caicedo are all set to miss Sunday’s clash.
Forwards Mattia Destro and Yayah Kallon are both doubts.
Juventus vs Genoa Predicted Lineups
Juventus: Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Pellegrini; Kulusevski, Locatelli, Bentancur, Bernardeschi; Dybala, Morata.
Genoa: Sirigu; Vanheusden, Masiello, Vasquez; Ghiglione, Sturaro, Badelj, Rovella, Cambiaso; Bianchi, Ekuban.
Juventus’ Recent Form
Salernitana 0-2 Juventus (30/11) – Serie A
Juventus 0-1 Atalanta (27/11) – Serie A
Chelsea 4-0 Juventus (23/11) – Champions League
Lazio 0-2 Juventus (20/11) – Serie A
Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina (06/11) – Serie A
Genoa’s Recent Form
Genoa 0-3 AC Milan (01/12) – Serie A
Udinese 0-0 Genoa (28/11) – Serie A
Genoa 0-2 AS Roma (21/11) – Serie A
Empoli 2-2 Genoa (05/11) – Serie A
Genoa 0-0 Venezia (31/10) – Serie A
Prediction
While the Andriy Shevchenko era has got off to a rather uninspiring start, the manager’s work with the Ukrainian national team should have Genoa fans optimistic that he can spark a resurgence in Liguria.
However, it’ll take time for Sheva to inculcate his ideas onto this Rossoblù outfit. Their injury woes have exacerbated their issues and it’ll be incredibly difficult for them to snatch anything from Sunday’s trip.
While Juve have been pitiful this term, they showed signs of life on Tuesday and should Allegri retain the same dynamic principles that helped his team to victory in Salerno, they’ll be too hot to handle for the visitors this weekend.
Prediction: Juve 3-0 Genoa