Juventus play on Friday night for the first and only time this season as they take on Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris.
The Bianconeri have little to play for with three games remaining in the 2021/22 campaign. Their 2-1 victory over Venezia last Sunday followed by AS Roma’s stalemate with Bologna meant they secured Champions League football for next season.
However, the Old Lady could yet edge out Napoli for third place before the season’s up. Luciano Spalletti’s side, who only recently slid out of title contention, have a single point advantage over Juventus.
Their upcoming opponents, Genoa, were dealt a huge blow in their bid for survival last weekend as they were beaten in the Derby della Lanterna by Sampdoria. Domenico Criscito was handed a gilt-edged opportunity to rescue a point for Alexander Blessin’s side, but his penalty was saved by Emil Audero in stoppage time.
Alas, the Rossoblù are still three points adrift of Cagliari in 17th, but Salernitana’s recent resurgence means they’re the favourites to stay afloat.
Genoa vs Juventus Serie A preview
Friday night’s game is one Genoa surely must get a result in, and here’s our preview of the clash.
How to Watch Genoa vs Juventus?
When is kick-off? Friday 6 May
What time is kick-off? 20:00 (BST)
Where is it played? Luigi Ferraris Stadium
TV channel/live stream? BT Sport 2 (UK), Paramount+ (US)
Referee? N/A
Genoa Team News
The hosts will be without Zinho Vanheusden, Andrea Cambiaso and Roberto Piccoli for Friday night’s game as they each continue to nurse knee injuries.
Otherwise, Alexander Blessin will have a full complement of players to select from.
Juventus Team News
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Who comes out on top in the shooting challenge? 🎯😄
Max Allegri could welcome back Juan Cuadrado and Mattia De Sciglio to his matchday squad after the pair returned to Juventus training in the week following a brief spell out. However, he will be without Luca Pellegrini (sprained ankle).
Manuel Locatelli was also spotted at Continassa on Tuesday but he’s unlikely to be involved with the Coppa Italia final looming. Weston McKennie is also hopeful of returning for next Wednesday’s final.
Fabio Miretti deserves to retain his place in midfield after he impressed on his first senior start against Venezia. Although, Arthur Melo has returned to full fitness and is an option for Allegri.
Federico Chiesa and Kaio Jorge are now the only long-term absentees for the Old Lady.
Genoa vs Juventus Predicted Lineups
Genoa: Sirigu; Frendrup, Bani, Ostigard, Vazquez; Sturaro, Badelj; Ekuban, Galdames, Amiri; Destro.
Juventus: Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, De Ligt, Alex Sandro; Soulé, Miretti, Zakaria, Rabiot; Dybala, Vlahovic.
Genoa’s Recent Form
Sampdoria 1-0 Genoa (30/04) – Serie A
Genoa 1-0 Cagliari (24/04) – Serie A
Milan 2-0 Genoa (15/04) – Serie A
Genoa 1-4 Lazio (10/04) – Serie A
Hellas Verona 1-0 Genoa (04/04) – Serie A
Juventus’ Recent Form
Juventus 2-1 Venezia (01/05) – Serie A
Sassuolo 1-2 Juventus (25/04) – Serie A
Juventus 2-0 Fiorentina (20/04) – Coppa Italia
Juventus 1-1 Bologna (16/04) – Serie A
Cagliari 1-2 Juventus (09/04) – Serie A
Prediction
Juventus take on a side fighting for their lives for the second matchday running. They were run close by Venezia last time out, but an unlikely Leonardo Bonucci brace was enough for the Bianconeri to clinch all three points.
However, Juve will have to contend with a Genoa side buoyed by home support under the bright lights of the Luigi Ferraris in this one. Thus, I’m expecting another tough encounter for the Old Lady, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re second best (again) for large swathes of the contest considering that they have little to play for.
As a result, I think Genoa will get a result on Friday but Juve’s habit of not losing games away from home means they might only get a point.
Predicition: Genoa 1-1 Juve