Genoa
SudtirolBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
Genoa have yet to register a single victory in Serie A this season, with their only win so far coming in the Coppa Italia. In the round of 32 of that competition, the top-flight side face Südtirol, a team trying to shed their reputation as a second-division survival battler. Can the visitors make a statement against a club from the Italian elite?
Over the summer, Genoa did everything in their power to transform from a relegation-threatened outfit into a side aiming for at least a mid-table finish. The club retained their head coach and core squad while spending on new arrivals. However, the start to the new Serie A campaign has been far from ideal. In the first three matchdays, the Griffins suffered a 1–0 away loss to Lazio and home defeats against Napoli (2–0) and Como (4–1). It took until the fourth round for them to scrape a 1–1 draw with Frosinone.
The primary issue for Genoa at the start of the season has been a passive attack. Over the summer, the club brought in striker Milutin Osmajić from Preston and experienced midfielder Djibril Sow from Sevilla. Osmajić has scored only one inconsequential goal against Como, while Sow has managed just one assist. Lorenzo Colombo, meanwhile, has gone quiet and even missed a penalty in the most recent match. The main difficulty lies in creating chances. Across the first three rounds, Genoa players generated a meager 1.88 expected goals (xG) – the same total they produced in the single game against Frosinone. Yet even when they did carve out enough opportunities, the Griffins scored only once, indicating a finishing problem as well. Only in the Coppa Italia, against Serie B side Ascoli (4–1), did they manage to shed their attacking inhibitions.
Südtirol, based in Bolzano, have typically been a mid-table Serie B side, more often fighting for survival than promotion. But this past summer, the club’s management undertook sweeping changes to accelerate progress. First, Davide Possanzini – a 50-year-old coach who previously worked with Roberto De Zerbi – was appointed head coach. Possanzini advocates a modern style of football, luring opponents out and searching for free spaces through possession. Such an approach requires specific types of players, so the squad was almost entirely rebuilt.
Currently, 11 new signings start in the first eleven. Yet the lack of chemistry has not hurt results: after four rounds, Südtirol remain unbeaten. At home, they dispatched Entella (2–0) and Catanzaro (1–0) in a very solid manner, and shared points with Modena (1–1). Away from home, the Reds held Benevento to a 1–1 draw. Possanzini’s football relies on patiently waiting for the “right” chances, making high conversion rates crucial. In that regard, Südtirol are doing well: they have scored five real goals from a combined 4.25 xG. Notably, in the Coppa Italia’s first round, Südtirol eliminated Catanzaro on penalties (2–2, 4–3 after spot kicks), again showing clinical finishing – two goals from just 0.97 xG.
Genoa (3-5-2): Biel – Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vásquez – Ehizibue, Frendrup, Baldanzi, Sow, Ellertsson – Colombo, Osmajić Injured: Havel, Venturino Head coach: Daniele De Rossi
Südtirol (3-4-2-1): Pizzari – Stivanello, Giorgini, Stabile – Molina, Rispoli, Tronchin, Bjarkason – Lopes, Zeroli – Okoro Injured: El Kaouakibi, Pyyhtiä, Varnier Head coach: Davide Possanzini
Main prediction: In their match against Frosinone, De Rossi’s men finally showed intelligent attacking football, generated nearly two expected goals, and had genuine chances to win. That first point on the board should boost their confidence. Against a Serie B opponent, the Griffins have enough solidity – their 4–1 demolition of Ascoli proves the point. Also worth noting is Lorenzo Colombo, who will be extra motivated after his missed penalty. Südtirol, for their part, have made a pleasant impression, but only in home games. Away from home, they consistently concede and allow plenty of chances at their own end (a combined 3.31 xG against over two matches). In the Coppa Italia’s first round, the Reds let modest Catanzaro breach their defense twice. A top-flight side should have at least as many opportunities, so we back a Genoa win at 1.62.
Total prediction: Südtirol have not failed to score in any of their five official matches this season. Genoa concede an average of 1.8 goals per game, and even against a Serie B club, the Griffins could not keep a clean sheet. While the hosts are almost certain to find the net, the visitors will also have their chances. Therefore, both teams to score – Yes at 1.86 looks like a solid bet.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Genoa3-4-2-1
Sudtirol3-4-2-1Genoa is the clear favorite here, and I don’t see much room for doubt. Facing a lower-tier side like Sudtirol, the hosts should have more than enough quality to get the job done in this Coppa Italia clash.
My bet is on a straightforward home win. The gap in class is simply too wide for the visitors to cause an upset, so backing Genoa at 1.60 feels like the right call.
Genoa will score at least two goals against Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia. I'm backing that outcome at 1.75.
After a string of league defeats, Genoa are desperate to get back on track. In this Coppa Italia fixture, I fully expect them to take care of business against Sudtirol and claim the win.
Genoa and Sudtirol meet in the Coppa Italia, and I see a low-scoring affair developing. Their head-to-head history points directly to this outcome: the under has consistently been the result when these two face off.
I’m backing under 2.5 goals here. The matchup and past results make me confident this will be a tight, defensive contest rather than a goal-fest.
Genoa vs Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia — this one has the hosts scoring at least twice. A team of Genoa’s caliber, even in a cup tie, should have enough quality in attack to break down a lower-division side. The gap in class is simply too wide to ignore.
I’m backing the hosts to net over 1.5 goals here. At 1.75, the price is fair for what should be a straightforward outcome — Genoa’s firepower and home advantage make this the sensible call.
Both Genoa and Sudtirol will find the net in this Coppa Italia matchup. I'm backing both teams to score at 1.86.
Genoa and Sudtirol face off in the Coppa Italia, and I’m leaning heavily toward a scoreless draw. Neither side looks likely to find the net here, so betting on under 2.5 goals feels like the right call. This tie has all the makings of a tight, low-scoring affair with a clean sheet for both keepers.
Genoa is the clear favorite here, and I don’t see much room for doubt. Facing a lower-tier side like Sudtirol, the hosts should have more than enough quality to get the job done in this Coppa Italia clash.
My bet is on a straightforward home win. The gap in class is simply too wide for the visitors to cause an upset, so backing Genoa at 1.60 feels like the right call.
After a string of league defeats, Genoa are desperate to get back on track. In this Coppa Italia fixture, I fully expect them to take care of business against Sudtirol and claim the win.
Genoa will score at least two goals against Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia. I'm backing that outcome at 1.75.
Genoa vs Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia — this one has the hosts scoring at least twice. A team of Genoa’s caliber, even in a cup tie, should have enough quality in attack to break down a lower-division side. The gap in class is simply too wide to ignore.
I’m backing the hosts to net over 1.5 goals here. At 1.75, the price is fair for what should be a straightforward outcome — Genoa’s firepower and home advantage make this the sensible call.
Genoa and Sudtirol meet in the Coppa Italia, and I see a low-scoring affair developing. Their head-to-head history points directly to this outcome: the under has consistently been the result when these two face off.
I’m backing under 2.5 goals here. The matchup and past results make me confident this will be a tight, defensive contest rather than a goal-fest.
Genoa and Sudtirol face off in the Coppa Italia, and I’m leaning heavily toward a scoreless draw. Neither side looks likely to find the net here, so betting on under 2.5 goals feels like the right call. This tie has all the makings of a tight, low-scoring affair with a clean sheet for both keepers.
Both Genoa and Sudtirol will find the net in this Coppa Italia matchup. I'm backing both teams to score at 1.86.
The match takes place on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 in the Coppa Italia round of 32.
Genoa are the clear favourites, with a win priced at 1.62 according to the review.
The main prediction is a Genoa win at 1.62. Additionally, both teams to score is offered at 1.86.
Genoa have not won in Serie A this season, with losses to Lazio, Napoli and Como and a 1–1 draw against Frosinone. Their only win came in the Coppa Italia, where they beat Ascoli 4–1.
Südtirol are unbeaten in four Serie B rounds, with wins over Entella and Catanzaro and draws against Modena and Benevento. They also eliminated Catanzaro on penalties in the Coppa Italia first round.
Genoa will be without injured players Havel and Venturino. Südtirol have injuries to El Kaouakibi, Pyyhtiä and Varnier.