Gabriele Maltinti
Roma seem to have finally found their stride under Aurelio Andreazzoli, whilst Genoa have finally began to look like a football team and are slowly but surely beginning to stave off the threat of relegation.
After Aurelio Andreazzoli took over the reins at Roma following Zdenek Zeman's sacking, it looked is if it would be the same old stort for the Giallorossi, his first match in charge ending in a defeat to Sampdoria after dominating the first half. The Roma faithful were prepared for a shoeing from champions-elect Juventus the following week however Roma put in a steely display and a wonder goal from Francesco Totti, who else?, secured all the points at the Olimpico. Last week, Roma played Atalanta away, going behind to an early goal, taking the lead before allowing an equaliser all before half time, however Roma showed some of that steel again by taking a victory in a topsy turvy encounter in Bergamo. Whilst in Zeman's final few matches the players often appeared deflated, Andreazzoli seems to have put a bit of joy back into the players and it's certainly showed over the past two matches.
Whilst Genoa are still by no means safe, their recent form has lifted them out of the relegation zone and are now five points above Siena in 18th place. The Grifone are now unbeaten in five, triggered by a surprise 1-1 draw away to Juventus at the end of January. Since then, they have beaten Lazio and Udinese to put just a sliver of daylight between themselves and the drop zone, something which looked increasingly unlikely as defeat followed defeat prior to the winter break. The re-appointment of Davide Ballardini has visibly lifted the players and they have started to play like an actual football team, something which they were far from under Gigi Delneri.
Both sides will be in confident mood however Roma look a lot more impressive in front of goal than Genoa. The Grifone have only scored once in their last three matches, Juraj Kucka giving them a 1-0 win over Udinese, sandwiched by 0-0 draws whilst Roma scored three last time out and have Totti, Erik Lamela and Pablo Osvaldo all very able to score.
Roma have no real injury worries, Alessandro Florenzi is doubtful but has a very definite chance of playing, whilst Mattia Destro and Leandro Castan are long term absentees. Genoa have a lengthy injury list, not helped by Andreas Granqvist's suspension. Bosko Jankovic, Andrea Bertolacci and Marco Rossi are all doubts for this match.
Roma Injuries and Suspensions:
Out: Leandro Castan, Mattia Destro (injured). In doubt: Alessandro Florenzi
Genoa Injuries and Suspensions:
Out: Francelino Matuzalem, Thomas Manfredini, Lukas Zima, Enis Nadarevic, Antonio Floro Flores (injured), Andreas Granqvist (suspended). In doubt: Andrea Bertolacci, Marco Rossi, Ruben Oliveira, Antonio Donnarumma, Mattia Cassani, Bosko Jankovic
Match Date/Time: Sunday 3rd March 2013, 20:45 local, 14:45 E.T.
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: SportItalia, Sky Calcio 1 (Italy), beIN Sport, RAI Internazionale (USA), ESPN UK/HD (UK)
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